In the Meantime: Toward an Anthropology of the Possible

The "meantime" is a gap between the past and the unknown future, characterized by suspension and uncertainty. Contributors to this volume emphasize the temporal tactics, social commitments, material connections, dispositional orientations, and affective circuits that emerge in the meantime, even in the most desperate times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The "meantime" encompasses the interval between the past and the uncertain future. When viewed as a period of waiting, the meantime is characterized as a challenging and enduring suspension. However, the contributors to this volume perceive it as a realm of "the possible," where calculation and uncertainty coexist, promises and disappointments intertwine, and imminent events are deferred. Instead of focusing solely on settled facts, they emphasize the temporal dynamics, social engagements, material interconnections, dispositional orientations, and affective circuits that emerge during this transitional phase, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The contributors to this volume approach the "meantime" from various perspectives, drawing on diverse fields such as anthropology, sociology, political science, and cultural studies. They explore the complexities of temporal experiences, from the mundane routines of everyday life to the extraordinary events that shape our world. Through their insightful analyses, they shed light on the ways in which individuals and communities navigate the uncertainties of the "meantime," employing a range of tactics and strategies to cope with the challenges and seize opportunities that arise.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the role of temporality in shaping social movements and activism. The contributors argue that the "meantime" is a critical period for the emergence and mobilization of collective action, as it provides a space for individuals and groups to gather, organize, and articulate their demands and aspirations. They highlight the importance of temporal tactics, such as timing, pacing, and sequencing, in the success of social movements, as well as the role of social commitments, material connections, and dispositional orientations in sustaining collective action over time.

Another important aspect of the "meantime" is its relationship to power and governance. The contributors examine how the temporalities of emerging facts and the uncertainties surrounding them shape the dynamics of power and authority. They explore the ways in which governments, institutions, and other actors use temporal strategies to manage public opinion, control dissent, and consolidate power. They also consider the challenges posed by temporalities that defy conventional understandings of time and space, such as the emergence of new technologies, globalized economies, and the changing nature of work.

The contributors to this volume also pay attention to the emotional and affective dimensions of the "meantime." They argue that the "meantime" is a period of intense feelings, uncertainties, and uncertainties, which can lead to a range of emotional responses, including anxiety, hope, frustration, and resilience. They explore the ways in which individuals and communities navigate these emotional states, employing a variety of coping mechanisms and strategies to manage the stress and uncertainty of the "meantime."

In conclusion, the "meantime" represents a complex and multifaceted realm that encompasses the gap between the past and the unknown future. The contributors to this volume offer a rich and nuanced understanding of the temporalities, tactics, and experiences that emerge in this period, shedding light on the ways in which individuals and communities navigate the uncertainties and seize opportunities that arise. By attending to the temporalities of emerging rather than settled facts, they provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex and ever-changing world we live in.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800738867