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Book Synopsis

Anthropologists often use pollution' to refer to social and individual challenges to a cultural idea of purity, which may be seen in terms of religious practice, foodstuffs and social differentiation. It has been used as a trope to explore ideas of dirt and place, moral inversion and reinforcement, disgust and taboo.

The book is an invitation to consider the continued relevance of Mary Douglas' conceptualization of pollution and dirt as matter out of place' in relation to contemporary circumstances. Its ethnographic and theoretical contributions cover diverse contexts, ranging from Europe to Africa, the Caribbean, India and Outer Space.

Matter Out of Place

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      Publisher: Berghahn Books
      Publication Date: 1/1/2025
      ISBN13: 9781805396833, 978-1805396833
      ISBN10: 1805396838

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Anthropologists often use pollution' to refer to social and individual challenges to a cultural idea of purity, which may be seen in terms of religious practice, foodstuffs and social differentiation. It has been used as a trope to explore ideas of dirt and place, moral inversion and reinforcement, disgust and taboo.

      The book is an invitation to consider the continued relevance of Mary Douglas' conceptualization of pollution and dirt as matter out of place' in relation to contemporary circumstances. Its ethnographic and theoretical contributions cover diverse contexts, ranging from Europe to Africa, the Caribbean, India and Outer Space.

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