The Rebirth of Anthropological Theory

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology
Cover of the book The Rebirth of Anthropological Theory by Stanley Barrett, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stanley Barrett ISBN: 9781442655157
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division Publication: December 15, 1992
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Stanley Barrett
ISBN: 9781442655157
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Publication: December 15, 1992
Imprint:
Language: English

Innovative and often controversial, Barrett's study ranges over the entire scope of anthropological theory. It provides a fresh interpretation of the history of theory and mounts an alternative perspective, built around dialectics, that is eminently suitable to post-colonial anthropology.

He argues that anthropological theory has failed to be cumulative. It has been characterized by oscillation and repetition – theoretical orientations have appeared and disappeared, only to be discovered once again. Addressing numerous conceptual contradictions which have never been resolved, he introduces novel concepts such as salvage theory and backward theory, and argues that in many respects anthropological theory resembles the structuralists interpretation of myth.

Social life, he asserts, is inherently contradictory, although concealed by numerous mechanisms, most of which reinforce the status quo. Attacking the illusion of simplicity which has dominated positivistic approaches and the out-dated identification of anthropology with non-Western, primitive, and tribal societies, Barrett contends that power and privilege everywhere should be the basic concerns of anthropological inquiry.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Innovative and often controversial, Barrett's study ranges over the entire scope of anthropological theory. It provides a fresh interpretation of the history of theory and mounts an alternative perspective, built around dialectics, that is eminently suitable to post-colonial anthropology.

He argues that anthropological theory has failed to be cumulative. It has been characterized by oscillation and repetition – theoretical orientations have appeared and disappeared, only to be discovered once again. Addressing numerous conceptual contradictions which have never been resolved, he introduces novel concepts such as salvage theory and backward theory, and argues that in many respects anthropological theory resembles the structuralists interpretation of myth.

Social life, he asserts, is inherently contradictory, although concealed by numerous mechanisms, most of which reinforce the status quo. Attacking the illusion of simplicity which has dominated positivistic approaches and the out-dated identification of anthropology with non-Western, primitive, and tribal societies, Barrett contends that power and privilege everywhere should be the basic concerns of anthropological inquiry.

More books from University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division

Cover of the book Nuclear Portraits by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book The praier and complaynte of the ploweman vnto Christe by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Reason and Revelation before Historicism by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Measuring Health by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book The White Savannahs by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Town and Country Planning in England and Wales by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Hidden in Plain Sight by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Doctors beyond Borders by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Charlotte Lennox by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Diaminds by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Do Men Mother? by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Fritz Bennewitz in India by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Rationality and Cognition by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book Governance in Northern Ontario by Stanley Barrett
Cover of the book The Hateful and the Obscene by Stanley Barrett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy