Anthropology of Parliaments: Entanglements in Democratic Politics

The Anthropology of Parliaments provides a comparative approach to analyzing parliaments and democratic politics, drawing on rare ethnographic work from anthropologists and politics scholars worldwide. It deepens our understanding of the complexity of political institutions, the construction of parliamentary buildings as sites of work and debate, and the engagement of politicians and officials with hierarchies and change. The book proposes how to study parliaments through an anthropological lens and demolishes hackneyed geo-political categories, culminating in a new comparative theory about the contradictions in everyday political work. It will be of interest to anyone studying parliaments, particularly in anthropology, sociology, politics, legal and development studies, and international relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Anthropology of Parliaments presents a groundbreaking and comparative approach to analyzing parliaments and democratic politics, drawing together rare ethnographic work from anthropologists and politics scholars across the globe. Through her insightful insights, Crewes delves deeper into the complexities of political institutions, shedding light on how elected politicians navigate intricate relationships, forge alliances, and thwart opponents. She also explores how parliamentary buildings function as dynamic sites of work, debate, and the miniature representation of the nation. Moreover, she examines how politicians and officials engage with hierarchies, continuity, and change within these institutions.

This book goes beyond traditional geo-political categories and offers a novel comparative theory about the contradictions inherent in everyday political work. By examining ethnographies from diverse regions such as Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, the book challenges prevailing notions and provides a fresh perspective on parliamentary dynamics.

This important work will appeal to a wide range of scholars, including those specializing in anthropology, sociology, politics, legal and development studies, and international relations. It offers valuable insights into the workings of parliaments and democratic politics, contributing to our understanding of these critical institutions in contemporary society.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350089594