The five chapters that follow are modified versions of the five 1988
Massey lectures I delivered over Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation radio in November 1988. These lectures suggest
certain conclusions about the functioning of the most advanced
democratic systems of the modern era, and particularly, about the ways
in which thought and understanding are shaped in the interests of
domestic privilege. Following these five chapters are appendices that are
intended to serve, in effect, as extended footnotes amplifying some of
the points raised, separated from the text so as not to obscure too much
the continuity of the discussion. There is an appendix, divided into
sections, for each chapter. Each section is identified by the part of the
text to which it serves as an addendum. These appendices should be
regarded merely as a sample. As references indicate, some of the topics
touched upon in the text and appendices are explored in