Language:
German
Year of publication:
1990
Titel der Quelle:
Leviathan; Zeitschrift für Sozialwissenschaft
Angaben zur Quelle:
18,4 (1990) 518-535
Keywords:
Nazi concentration camps
Abstract:
A sociological analysis of the structure and functioning of Nazi concentration camps. Argues that there is no continuum between power in ordinary society, even the power of totalitarian regimes using terror as a means of suppression, and absolute power in the camps, where terror was an end in itself. The camps functioned through a combination of organization and rules from above and license for initiative from the lower ranks, and by classifying inmates in a hierarchy of privilege. The camp system needed no legitimization by ideology. It sought no practical purpose for prisoners' work except to increase suffering and hasten death. It permitted no resistance, and fostered a sense of omnipotence in the perpetrators. The victims were absolutely helpless, and before they died physically they were destroyed as persons. Mass killing became organized and industrialized.
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