Pariahs, Strangers and Court-Jews: A Conceptual Clarification
Werner J. Cahnman
The terms “Pariah” and “Pariahvolk” have been introduced into the sociological vocabulary by Max Weber used primarily to characterize status of Jewish people. But has neither clarified ideal-typical character concept nor demonstrated its historical applicability. Subsequently, term confounded with “stranger,” as Toennies, Brentano especially Simmel. Recently, Lewis A. Coser applied both interchangeably subsumed them under general title, “The Alien a Servant Power.” In addition, extended latter an entirely non-“Pariah” population, namely, Christian boys pressed Corps Janissaries in Ottoman Empire. following deliberations attempt untangle these varied understandings related show that “stranger” retains validity. final paragraph, conclusions are drawn relation Jews governments changed circumstances post-emancipatory period.
Sociological analysis