The concept of the Average-Man, also known as the "Common Man" or "Everyman," refers to the hypothetical typical or average individual within a society or population. This archetype is often used in sociological, statistical, and cultural analyses to represent the norms, behaviors, and attributes of the general populace. Here are some key points about the Average-Man:
The idea can be traced back to the 19th century with the advent of statistics and social sciences. Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian astronomer, mathematician, and statistician, is often credited with introducing the concept of the Average-Man in his work on Social Physics or what is now known as Sociology. Quetelet proposed that by measuring various physical and moral attributes of people, one could define an "average" person, around which the population would cluster.
In statistics, the Average-Man is not a real individual but a composite of average measurements from various attributes like height, weight, income, etc. This concept helps in understanding trends, making predictions, and setting standards in fields like public health, economics, and education.
The Average-Man has been a frequent figure in literature, media, and art to explore themes of identity, conformity, and the human condition. Figures like John Doe in American culture or Mr. Everyman in British culture serve as representations of the average citizen.
While useful for certain analyses, the concept has been criticized for:
Today, the term often appears in discussions about: