Oltre l’atimia. Forme alternative di declassamento sociale

This article examines the attitudes of Greek poleis towards social down- grading, with a specific emphasis on Athenian democracy. It identifies signifi-cant social pressures that compelled individuals to enhance their circumstanc- es, alongside a prevailing stigma attached to the ruin of fortunes, disgrace, and impoverishment. The trajectories of downward social mobility are observable not only within the citizen community but also among freedmen. The analy- sis is conducted through two distinct yet complementary perspectives. First- ly, it explores cases that, while indicative of social downgrading, reveal com- plexities that transcend simplistic categorisation. Such downward mobility is more accurately framed, in sociological terms, as a succession of diverse social trajectories, encompassing various repositionings within the social structure. These changes may reflect not only economic and professional shifts but also transformations in interpersonal relationships and individual self-perception. Secondly, the phenomenon of proscription is considered as a more evident and dramatic form of social downgrading, characterised by the loss of various forms of capital. This constitutes an irreversible descent marked by the forfei- ture of economic and symbolic capital, wherein opportunities for reclassifica- tion are almost invariably precluded.