Cultural Structure of Death Penalty Does the structure of the Death Penalty reflect a particularly modern form of sensibility? Norbert elias Emergence of centralised power which monopolises violence Necessary for individuals to impose self-restraint upon his or her own conduc Open displays of aggression forbidden Gradual process where by the seemingly more ' animalistic aspects of behaviour are repressed The sight of other people suffering, defecating, displaying their bodily functions, is thought to be distasteful and is frequently banned However, violence in society does not disappear Instead it is stored behind the scenes Violence can only be tolerated so long as it is discreet and tastefulCultural Structure of Death Penalty • Does the structure of the Death Penalty reflect a particularly modern form of sensibility? • Norbert Elias – Emergence of centralised power which monopolises violence • Necessary for individuals to impose self-restraint upon his or her own conduct • Open displays of aggression forbidden • Gradual process where by the seemingly more ‘animalistic’ aspects of behaviour are repressed • The sight of other people suffering, defecating, displaying their bodily functions, is thought to be distasteful and is frequently banned. • However, violence in society does not disappear. – Instead it is stored behind the scenes. – Violence can only be tolerated so long as it is discreet and tasteful