The Status Civilization is a science fiction novel by Robert Sheckley, first published in 1960. The story is set in a future society where crime and punishment are quite different from our contemporary understanding. The novel follows the journey of Will Barrent, a man who wakes up with no memory and is informed that he is a criminal who has been convicted of a terrible crime. As Barrent tries to understand his predicament and piece together his past, he encounters a society that is divided into two distinct classes: the "Normals" and the "Subnormals." The Normals are the ruling class, and the Subnormals are those who have been convicted of crimes and subjected to a process known as "Redemption." Redemption is a method of brainwashing and conditioning criminals to reform them, but it often leaves them in a state of extreme docility and obedience. Barrent's journey takes him through this dystopian world, where he must navigate the complex and surreal legal system, confront his own past actions, and discover the truth about the society in which he now finds himself. Along the way, he encounters various characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. The novel explores themes of identity, justice, conformity, and the manipulation of human behavior. It raises questions about the nature of crime and punishment, as well as the potential consequences of a society that values obedience and control above all else. "The Status Civilization" is a thought-provoking and satirical work of science fiction that challenges the reader to consider the implications of a society that uses extreme methods to maintain order and control.
