Idology in Transcultural Perspective: Anthropological Investigations of Popular Idolatry

This edited volume explores the phenomenon of popular idolatry in Japan and provides a transcultural perspective to guide anthropological investigations in different places and times. It proposes an integrated paradigm for the study of idols and sheds new light on virtual idols, cartoon characters, robot idols, and cybernetic systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume builds upon the pioneering work of Aoyagi Hiroshi in the early 2000s, which aimed to establish "idology" as a subfield of symbolic anthropology. It presents a comprehensive collection of case studies on popular idolatry in Japan, while also offering a transcultural framework to guide anthropological investigations in diverse contexts and periods. By proposing an integrated paradigm for the growing literature on idols, the volume redirects recurring questions to more fundamental sociocultural inquiries. Contributions from scholars engaged in ethnographic fieldwork and theoretical and historical analyses facilitate comparative reading and critical thought. The chapters extend beyond a narrow focus on human idols to explore virtual idols, YouTubers, cartoon characters, voice actors, robot idols, and cybernetic systems. This fusion of science and technology studies with theories of animation and anthropological work on life in more-than-human worlds opens up new avenues for research and understanding.

Weight: 425g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030826796
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021