Different Repetitions: Anthropological Engagements with Figures of Return, Recurrence and Redundancy

This book explores the value of repetition in comprehending the temporal, spatial, and ideological fields of contemporary social scientists. It demonstrates how repetition can contribute to desired social and cultural reproduction or represent experiences of being trapped in cycles of routine and stasis. Six anthropologists examine religious case studies from around the world to explore the ethical, political, and experiential dimensions of repetition at various scales of activity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the realm of repetition, surpassing the confines of older anthropological debates centered on habit, structure, or cultural continuity. It showcases the immense value of repetition in understanding the temporal, spatial, and ideological landscapes that contemporary social scientists navigate. Repetition holds a complex and multifaceted significance within human societies. On the one hand, it can be instrumental in fostering desired social and cultural reproduction, as it perpetuates customs, traditions, and beliefs. On the other hand, it can also represent experiences of being ensnared in repetitive routines and stagnant conditions, perpetuating feelings of monotony and entrapment.

In this insightful book, six distinguished anthropologists explore the profound capacity of repetition to unlock rich avenues for comparative ethnographic and historical research. By focusing on religious case studies drawn from diverse corners of the world, contributors delve into the intricate ways in which repetition is perceived, observed, and experienced by interlocutors and fieldworkers. Through their meticulous analysis, they unravel the ethical, political, and experiential dimensions of repetition as it manifests at various scales of activity, spanning from intimate ritual practices to forms of religious dissent and haunting manifestations of historical recurrence.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of History and Anthropology, showcasing the cutting-edge insights and innovative approaches that these scholars have brought to the study of repetition. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human behavior, culture, and history. It offers a fresh perspective on the enduring power of repetition and its profound implications for our understanding of the world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367712266