Nurturing Alternative Futures: Living with Diversity in a More-than-Human World

This book explores the concept of more-than-human relationality and offers a fresh perspective on reimagining a multi-species future in the face of planetary crisis. Through ethnographic case studies from around the world, it highlights the lived experiences and mutual worlding of people, animals, plants, and microbes, emphasizing local and Indigenous modes of thinking. The chapters present alternative forms of multispecies coexistence and offer a grounded anthropological understanding of imagining a future in relationality with other beings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the realm of environmental humanities and multispecies anthropological theories, offering a novel perspective on rethinking more-than-human relationality and its significance in nurturing alternative futures. The diverse chapters explore the life trajectories of individuals, animals, plants, and microbes, examining their lived experiences and constitutive relationality. Through these case studies, which encompass a range of biological and cultural diversity, the book presents fresh avenues for reinterpreting and reimagining a multi-species future in the context of the ongoing planetary crisis.

The ethnographic case studies, drawn from diverse locations worldwide, showcase a fusion of biological and cultural richness. These studies prioritize local and Indigenous modes of thinking, providing a grounded anthropological understanding of envisioning a future in relationality with other beings. The narratives, lived experiences, and mutual worlding presented in this volume offer a portrayal of alternative forms of multispecies coexistence, rather than an anthropocentric trajectory.

By engaging with diverse communities, such as Mongolian herders, Indigenous Yucatec Mayan, Congolese farmers, rural Pakistani donkey keepers, Australian heritage breed farmers, Croatian cheesemakers, Japanese oyster aquafarmers, Texan corn growers, Californian cannabis producers, and Hindu devotees to the Ganges River, the book offers a rich tapestry of insights into the complexities and possibilities of interspecies relations. It highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives and contributions of different species, as well as the need to cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the natural world.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of environmental humanities and multispecies anthropology. It offers a fresh perspective on rethinking more-than-human relationality and highlights the importance of nurturing alternative futures. Through its ethnographic case studies and interdisciplinary approach, it provides a rich resource for scholars, activists, and policymakers seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032563268