Engaged Anthroplogy: Politics beyond the Text

by Stuart Kirsch

Does anthropology have more to offer than just its texts? In this timely and remarkable book, Stuart Kirsch shows how anthropology can—and why it should—become more engaged with the problems of the world. Engaged Anthropology draws on the author’s experiences working with indigenous peoples fighting for their environment, land rights, and political sovereignty. Including both short interventions and collaborations spanning decades, it recounts interactions with lawyers and courts, nongovernmental organizations, scientific experts, and transnational corporations. This unflinchingly honest account addresses the unexamined “backstage” of engaged anthropology. Coming at a time when some question the viability of the discipline, the message of this powerful and original work is especially welcome, as it not only promotes a new way of doing anthropology, but also compellingly articulates a new rationale for why anthropology matters.  

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction

322 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2018

Reviews

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Chapter 5 about the nuclear fallout is especially engaging, whereas other chapters like number 3 rambles on about culture and economics which seemingly have no relation to the main point.

What I find the most questionable is the end of Chapter 6, when the author mediated a discussion between archaeologists working with the museum at UMich, and Native American anthropology students whose ancestors were stored in cardboard boxes in a warehouse close to the football stadium. The author said something to the effect of "we're not here to burn down the museum even if some of us would like to see that happen" (page 178). That is just very uncalled for, and he argued that he couldn't be bothered to deal with the ensuing controversy, saying "after all it was not my ancestors whose remains were stored in cardboard boxes". He was also more concerned about his promotion review. Little wonder that Vine Deloria, Jr. criticised some anthropologists for being concerned with advancing their career for self-aggrandizement and money.