Mary Douglas

Mary Douglas is one of the most important anthropologists of the 20th century, known for her work on classification and social life. This biography provides an introduction to her distinctive approach and its relevance to current social issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This comprehensive and concise book delves into the life and work of one of the most influential anthropologists of the second half of the 20th century, Mary Douglas. Her groundbreaking research focused on the intricate processes through which human groups classify one another and navigate the challenges that arise from these classifications. Douglas argued that classification is not merely a theoretical concept but a deeply ingrained aspect of social life, playing a pivotal role in all profound and intractable human disputes.

Throughout her illustrious career, Douglas developed a distinctive approach to understanding human classification and its implications. Her work drew from a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, and cultural anthropology, and she approached the subject with a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective.

One of the central themes of Douglas's work was the role of power and dominance in shaping human classification systems. She argued that social hierarchies and power dynamics are fundamental to the way individuals and groups perceive and categorize each other. These hierarchies can be based on a variety of factors, including gender, race, class, and religion, and they have the potential to create profound inequalities and conflicts.

Douglas's approach to classification was grounded in the idea that it is not a static or fixed phenomenon but rather a dynamic and fluid process that is shaped by a range of social and cultural factors. She emphasized the importance of examining the practices and rituals that underlie classification systems and the ways in which they are used to maintain and reproduce power inequalities.

Douglas's work has had a profound impact on the fields of social science and the humanities. Her insights into the processes of human classification have helped to shed light on a wide range of social phenomena, including prejudice, discrimination, and social inequality. Her work has also been influential in the development of critical theory and feminist scholarship, as she challenged traditional notions of power and dominance and advocated for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of human social relations.

In conclusion, this biography offers an introduction to the life and work of Mary Douglas, one of the most important anthropologists of the 20th century. Through her groundbreaking research on human classification and its implications, Douglas has helped to shape our understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of human social relations. Her work remains significant today, as we continue to grapple with the challenges of social conflict and planetary survival.

Weight: 186g
Dimension: 127 x 203 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800739819