The Celebration of Heroes: Prestige as a Social Control System explores the profound influence of prestige on social behavior, presenting it as a central mechanism of social control that transcends cultures and eras. This groundbreaking treatise delves into how prestige--rooted in the universal human need for respect and esteem--shapes individual and group interactions. By drawing on historical examples, field studies, and experimental research, the book outlines empirically grounded propositions that illuminate the ways prestige influences rewards, punishments, and the distribution of social roles. From the structured allocation of honors to the complex dynamics of prestige subversion, the author examines how these processes affect social cohesion, organizational behavior, and perceptions of justice.

At its core, the book investigates critical questions about the nature and impact of prestige: how it is distributed, manipulated, and institutionalized to guide behavior and sustain power structures. It considers the interplay between personal ambition and societal expectations, analyzing both the ethical implications of prestige systems and their practical applications in shaping norms. By integrating exchange theory and equity concepts, the study offers a nuanced perspective on the motivations behind human interactions, shedding light on the enduring tension between individual self-interest and collective values. The Celebration of Heroes serves as an essential resource for understanding the enduring role of esteem in human societies, while also challenging readers to reflect on the fairness and dynamics of prestige-driven social structures.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1978.