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Resumo

This paper seeks to explore the implications of Elias's conceptual framework and of his theoretical-empirical investigations for the study of long-term social processes. It emphasizes the centrality of the non-intentional orderedness of social interdependences and their dynamics for Elias's conception of social 'structure' and for his frame of reference (2). It is in this context that his specific concept of 'power' has to be understood (3) and acquires primal relevance as a tool for the reconstruction and explanation of the processual structures of long-term societal developments (4). The second part of the paper (4- 7) interprets Elias's studies of 'the civilizing process' in the light of the preceding discussion of his theoretical approach, devoting attention to - among other things - the problem of physical force and its monopolization, and to the analysis of 'rationalization' (in Weber's sense). The last section (7) hints at the conclusions to be drawn for an adequate understanding and conceptualization of the developmental processes of societies.

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