Description
Book SynopsisDoes anthropology have more to offer than just its texts? In this timely and remarkable book, Stuart Kirsch shows how anthropology canand why it shouldbecome 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.
Trade Review"
Engaged Anthropology is a compelling, thorough, and important contribution." * Collaborative Anthropologies *
"Dense and detailed, and at times quite personal." * Anthropology Now *
"This book is an essential resource for graduate programs, graduate students, and any scholar seeking meaningful ways to strengthen their ethnographic research." * Journal of Anthropological Research *
"A sophisticated and passionate account of anthropology put into practice in a variety of political and social contexts. . . . required reading in undergraduate and graduate courses, and for scholars working on decolonisation, Indigenous rights, collaborative anthropology, extractive capitalism, climate change and sovereignty." * Anthropologica *
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Engaged Anthropology successfully demonstrates the dynamic relationship between ethics, research, and political commitment." * Anthropology and Humanism *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations ix
Acknowledgments xi
Map of Cases xv
Introduction 1
1 • How Political Commitments Influence Research 20
2 • When Contributions Are Elusive 50
3 • The Search for Alternative Outcomes 82
4 • When the Intervention Fails, Does the Research Still Matter? 107
5 • How Analysis of Local Contexts Can Have Global Significance 136
6 • The Risks of Intervention 165
7 • Dilemmas of an Expert Witness 180
Conclusion 223
Notes 231
References 249
