Ethnographies of Deservingness: Unpacking Ideologies of Distribution and Inequality

Ethnographies of Deservingness examines how moralized assessments of distribution shape inequality in the global context of unprecedented wealth and its selective distribution. It provides a novel conceptualization of Deservingness that can be used to explore transforming welfare states, regimes of migration, and capitalist social reproduction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Ethnographies of Deservingness delves into the intricate interplay between moralizing inequality and the current global context of unprecedented wealth and its increasingly selective distribution. By reconnecting diverse discussions in anthropology, including migration, economic, and political anthropology, this edited collection offers a novel and comprehensive conceptualization of deservingness. It demonstrates how this concept can serve as a powerful and integrative lens for ethnographically examining the dynamics of transforming welfare states, regimes of migration, as well as capitalist social reproduction and relations more broadly.

In the realm of anthropology, the study of deservingness has emerged as a central theme, shedding light on the complex dynamics of inequality and its moralized assessments. Ethnographies of Deservingness, a collection of essays edited by renowned scholars, takes a deep dive into this topic, exploring the paradoxical nature of moralized distribution in the context of unprecedented wealth and its selective distribution.

The book begins by examining the historical roots of moralizing inequality, tracing its origins to colonialism, capitalism, and the legacies of colonialism. It then delves into the contemporary manifestations of deservingness, focusing on the ways in which moral assessments of distribution shape social policies, practices, and attitudes toward marginalized communities.

One of the key insights of Ethnographies of Deservingness is the recognition that deservingness is not a static concept but rather a dynamic and fluid phenomenon that is shaped by a range of social, economic, and cultural factors. The book explores how different social groups and individuals negotiate and contest the boundaries of deservingness, challenging the dominant narratives that perpetuate inequality.

Through a series of ethnographic case studies, Ethnographies of Deservingness provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the ways in which deservingness is constructed and contested. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including the experiences of migrants, refugees, women, and marginalized communities in different parts of the world. The authors employ a variety of qualitative research methods, including participant observation, interviews, and archival research, to capture the voices and experiences of the people they study.

One of the key themes that emerges from the book is the role of moralized assessments of distribution in perpetuating inequality. The authors argue that the way in which social goods and resources are distributed is often shaped by moral judgments about who deserves them and why. These judgments are often based on notions of deservingness that are rooted in cultural, social, and economic norms and values.

However, the book also highlights the ways in which individuals and communities challenge and subvert these moralized assessments of distribution. The authors show how marginalized groups use their experiences and knowledge to contest the dominant narratives of deservingness, advocating for their rights and claiming a share of the resources and opportunities available to them.

Ethnographies of Deservingness also explores the relationship between deservingness and the broader political and economic structures that shape society. The authors argue that deservingness is not just a matter of individual agency or social morality but is also deeply embedded in the political and economic systems that govern society. They explore how these systems create and perpetuate inequality, as well as the ways in which individuals and communities can challenge and transform these systems.

In conclusion, Ethnographies of Deservingness is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking book that provides a novel and comprehensive conceptualization of deservingness. By reconnecting diverse discussions in anthropology, the book offers a powerful lens for ethnographically exploring the dynamics of inequality and its moralized assessments. Through a series of ethnographic case studies, the book demonstrates how individuals and communities challenge and subvert the boundaries of deservingness, advocating for their rights and claiming a share of the resources and opportunities available to them. The book also highlights the role of political and economic structures in perpetuating inequality and the ways in which individuals and communities can challenge and transform these systems. Ethnographies of Deservingness is a must-read for scholars and researchers interested in the anthropology of inequality, social policy, and social justice.

Weight: 784g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800735996