Ethnographic Constructions of Indigenous Others: Indigeneity, Climate Change, and the Limits of Western Epistemology

This book explores the relationship between indigenous peoples and climate change politics, highlighting the ways in which indigenous identities are (re)defined in response to climate change and subverting notions of the nature/culture dichotomy. It encourages reflection on the epistemic shortcomings of "the West" and acknowledges the ongoing role of power, coloniality, extractivism, and whiteness in climate change discourses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate interplay between indigenousness and climate change politics, offering a critical reflection on the role of ethnographic research in this complex realm. Through a multi-sited ethnography, it demonstrates how indigeneity and climate change mitigation are inextricably linked, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of both. While indigenous identities have been reimagined in response to climate change, the book argues that indigenous peoples persist in challenging prevailing notions of the nature/culture divide and reshaping our understanding of humanity's relationship with nature. It encourages students and researchers in anthropology, international development, and related fields to engage in deep introspection about the epistemic limitations of "the West," including their own research, and to acknowledge the ongoing influence of power, coloniality, extractivism, and whiteness in climate change discourses.

Introduction:
The study of indigenousness and climate change politics has gained increasing attention in recent years, as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced and the world increasingly recognizes the importance of indigenous knowledge and perspectives. This book aims to contribute to this growing body of literature by examining the ways in which indigeneity interacts with climate change politics at multiple levels and offering a self-critical reflection on the role of ethnographic research (and researchers) in this process.

Multi-Sited Ethnography:
To explore the complex relationship between indigeneity and climate change politics, the book employs a multi-sited ethnography approach. This approach involves conducting research in multiple locations, such as indigenous communities, government institutions, and international organizations, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various perspectives and experiences related to climate change. By immersing oneself in these different contexts, the book aims to capture the nuances and complexities of the interactions between indigeneity and climate change.

Intertwinedness of Indigeneity and Climate Change Mitigation:
One of the key findings of the book is that indigeneity and climate change mitigation are inextricably intertwined. The book argues that indigenous peoples have a unique understanding of the environment and the challenges posed by climate change, and that their knowledge and practices can play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, the book also acknowledges that indigenous peoples face significant barriers to participating in climate change mitigation efforts, such as lack of access to resources, discrimination, and marginalization.

Challenging Nature/Culture Divide:
While indigenous identities have been (re)defined in relation to climate change, the book argues that indigenous peoples continue to subvert pervasive notions of the nature/culture dichotomy and disrupt our understanding of what it means to be human in relation to nature. The book explores how indigenous communities have developed innovative approaches to climate change mitigation, such as sustainable land management practices, traditional knowledge systems, and community-based initiatives. However, these approaches are often overlooked or undervalued by mainstream climate change policies and practices.

Epistemic Shortcomings of "the West":
The book also offers a critical reflection on the epistemic shortcomings of "the West," including in our own research. The book argues that Western scholarship and research on climate change often overlook the contributions and perspectives of indigenous peoples, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases. The book encourages students and researchers to engage in more meaningful reflection on the epistemic shortcomings of "the West," including in our own research, and to acknowledge the ongoing role of power, coloniality, extractivism, and whiteness in climate change discourses.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of indigenousness and climate change politics. By employing a multi-sited ethnography approach and offering a critical reflection on the role of ethnographic research, the book demonstrates how indigeneity and climate change mitigation are inextricably linked and how indigenous peoples continue to subvert pervasive notions of the nature/culture divide. The book also highlights the epistemic shortcomings of "the West" and encourages students and researchers to engage in more meaningful reflection on the ongoing role of power, coloniality, extractivism, and whiteness in climate change discourses.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032377773