Culture/Contexture: Explorations in Anthropology and Literary Studies

Culture/Contexture brings together literature and anthropology scholars to explore the intersection of their two fields, discussing topics such as reading and race, writing and representation, incest and violence, and travel and time. The book is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the mission of the press to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact.

Format: Hardback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The rapprochement of anthropology and literary studies, which began nearly fifteen years ago with the pioneering work of scholars such as Clifford Geertz, Edward Said, and James Clifford, has resulted in the creation of the new scholarly domain of cultural studies and the deepening and widening of both original fields. Literary critics have embraced the practice of anthropologizing their studies, delving into questions about the construction of meanings under historical conditions and reflecting on the cultural situatedness of their work. On the other hand, anthropologists have expanded their horizons beyond the traditional master narratives of disciplinary social science, recognizing the need to incorporate diverse narratives and perspectives to compose ethnographies.

Culture/Contexture: Literature and Anthropology in Dialogue is a groundbreaking collection of essays that explores the compelling intersection between literature and anthropology. This book brings together leading scholars from both fields to reflect on the antidisciplinary impulse that has driven the exchange between these two disciplines. By critically expanding on seminal works such as James Clifford and George Marcus' Writing Culture and Marcus and Michael M. J. Fischer's Anthropology as Cultural Critique, the contributors to this volume delve into the rich tapestry of topics that unite and divide these two fields.

The range of topics covered in Culture/Contexture is vast, encompassing a wide spectrum of issues such as reading and race, writing and representation, incest and violence, travel and time. Each essay offers a fresh perspective and innovative insights, shedding light on the complex interplay between anthropology and literary studies. The contributors employ a diverse range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies, drawing from cultural studies, postcolonialism, feminist theory, and more, to analyze and interpret the rich interconnections between these two disciplines.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays in Culture/Contexture is the notion of "hybridity." The authors argue that the boundaries between literature and anthropology are increasingly blurred, and that the creative borrowing between these two fields is both possible and necessary. They explore how the disciplines can complement each other, offering unique insights and perspectives on the human experience. For example, literary critics can employ anthropological theories to analyze the construction of meanings and the role of culture in shaping narrative structures. Similarly, anthropologists can draw on literary texts to understand the cultural significance and social context in which they were produced.

Another important theme in Culture/Contexture is the question of power and representation. The authors examine how the disciplines can challenge and subvert dominant narratives and power structures. They explore how literature and anthropology can be used to critique and challenge the dominant ideologies and discourses that shape our understanding of the world. For example, feminist scholars have used literary analysis to examine the representation of women and gender roles, while anthropologists have used ethnographic research to document the experiences of marginalized communities and challenge the narratives of power and privilege.

In conclusion, Culture/Contexture: Literature and Anthropology in Dialogue is a vital contribution to the field of cultural studies. This book brings together leading scholars from both disciplines to explore the rich intersections and complexities that define the relationship between literature and anthropology. By critically engaging with the past and present, the contributors to this volume offer a fresh perspective on the possibilities and limitations of the antidisciplinary approach. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of literature, anthropology, cultural studies, and beyond.

Weight: 771g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520365919