Exploring Commodities: An Anthropologist on the Trails of Malinowski and Traven in Mexico

Commodities, such as labor, have been produced, transferred, and consumed throughout humanity's economic life, and are pervasive in contemporary world economies. This book explores the role of commodities in sociocultural life, from Aristotle to Karl Marx, and the contrasting approaches of Malinowski and Traven to commodity production and exchange in Mexico.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

Commodities, of various types, have played a central role in the economic life of humanity throughout its historical development and diverse sociocultural organizations. These commodities have permeated the dominant forms of capitalism in the contemporary world economies. Even labor, a fundamental component in the production of commodities, has itself been commoditized. Commodities possess three potential value dimensions: use, exchange, and symbolic significance. They reflect and influence various aspects of humanity's sociocultural life. Throughout history, scholars and economists, including Aristotle, Ibn Khaldun, Adam Smith, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, and many others, have extensively studied commodities. This intellectual exploration spans from ancient times to the twentieth century, encompassing the works of anthropologists like Bronislaw Malinowski and storytellers like B. Traven.

In his book, renowned economic anthropologist Scott Cook embarks on a captivating journey, drawing upon his extensive fieldwork in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Tamaulipas. His memoir serves as a thoughtful exploration, offering insights into the profound role of commodities in his own life and times, as well as in his anthropological career. Cook collaborates with a concurrent interpretation of the contrasting approaches of Malinowski and Traven to the topic of commodity production and exchange in Mexico.

Through his memoir, Cook delves into the intricate connections between commodities, culture, and society. He explores how commodities have shaped his personal experiences, influenced his fieldwork, and impacted his understanding of anthropology. Cook's narrative is enriched by his firsthand observations and encounters, providing a vivid portrayal of the complexities and nuances of commodity production and exchange in Mexico.

In addition to his personal reflections, Cook also engages in a comparative analysis of Malinowski's and Traven's approaches to the study of commodities. He highlights the contrasting viewpoints and methodologies employed by these scholars, shedding light on their unique insights and contributions to the field. Cook's interpretation offers valuable insights into the complexities of commodity production, exchange, and their impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

Overall, this book serves as a captivating and insightful exploration of the role of commodities in human history and society. Through his personal narrative and comparative analysis, Cook provides readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities and significance of commodities in our lives.

Weight: 375g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800794016
Edition number: New ed