Description
Book SynopsisThis volume explores how contemporary governments, particularly in settler nations such as Australia and the United States, deflect social responsibility for the crushing harms experienced by communities living at the margins.
Trade Review“
Economies of Abandonment is an erudite book that unravels crucial linkages between the transformed character of liberal policies in our present and the shattered lives of those who live under its ever-expanding shadow. It will be widely read and appreciated for its thoughtful and provocative arguments.”—
Saba Mahmood, University of California, Berkeley
“Elizabeth A. Povinelli’s book is ambitious and original. It reflects her extraordinary ability to move from high theoretical discussions of philosophical concepts, to broad perspectives on late liberalism, to precise accounts of political and legal controversies, as well as public conversations on sex, drugs, religion, ecology, and other matters. Her argument in
Economies of Abandonment is impressive in its breadth and depth. The book will provide an important contribution to future critical discussions, not only in anthropology but much more broadly.”—
Éric Fassin, École Normale Supérieure
“
Economies of Abandonment impresses, to be sure, because of Povinelli’s penetrating analyses and intellectual sweep, but even more so because of her conscience, political passion and willingness to persevere.” -- Kenneth M. George * Interventions *
“Situated between the ‘eventful’ tenses of settler governance and anthropological imaginaries, Povinelli continues to trace out how we might produce positive sociographies of those whom settler states encounter, scrutinize and abandon.” -- Timothy Neale * Postcolonial Studies *
"
Economies of Abandonment is extremely thought provoking, insightful and rich in ideas. It rewards, if not demands, re-reading." -- Geoff Buchanan * The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology *
Table of ContentsPreface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction. The Child in the Broom Closet 1
1. The Part That Has No Part 47
2. The Brackets of Recognition 75
3. Road Kill: Ethical Substance, Exhaustion, Endurance 101
4. Events of Abandonment 131
5. After Good and Evil, Whither Sacrificial Love? 163
Conclusion. Negative Critique, Positive Sociographies 187
Notes 193
Bibliography 211
Index 225
