Gender, Humiliation, and Global Security

Reviews / Votes

In this far-ranging, sometimes brilliant book, Lindner (Columbia Univ. and Oslo Univ.) studies the social and political ramifications of human violations and world crises related to humiliation, defined as the enforced lowering of a person or group, a process of subjugation that harms or removes the dignity, pride, and honor of the other. . . . it will be indispensable for psychologists, humanists, and political scientists and invaluable to policy makers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. * Choice * Lindner may have risen more than a few eyebrows by stretching the parameters of scientific inquiry into a realm usually associated with plastic lace, virtual Valentines and FTD.com. It is a subject area she calls by various names...Desmond Tutu, in his Foreword to her book, writes that she is advocating an African concept of ubuntu which he describes as 'traditional African philosophy for living together and solving conflicts in an atmosphere of shared humility.' . . . Lindner knows she is taking a courageous step into uncharted - or should we say uncool? - terrain. Fortunately, she is well-armed with impeccable academic qualifications: a doctorate in medicine and another in psychology. . . . This book is partially a blueprint, partially a call to action; however, it is as an authority on humiliation that the author is most powerful. She is able to contribute an imporant psychological component to a cutting edge issue: the linkage between a patriarchal family, an authoritarian state, and war. . . . This is an important book and should be read by anyone concerned about the future of life beyond his or her lifetime. * Peace and Conflict Review * [Lindner's] extrapolation of humiliation as the cause of problems ranging from intrapsychic to global conflict is thought provoking. And her call to embrace love is at least motivating, if not prescriptive. This book would be of interest to a wide audience, including those individuals interested in gender, diversity, conflict resolution, and international affairs. * PsycCRITIQUES *