Political Anthropology as Method

This book explores method in political anthropology, challenging scientific neutrality and advancing the value of participation for social and political understanding. It appeals to scholars of anthropology, sociology, and politics interested in method and methodology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 233 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the realm of method in political anthropology, positioning itself as a distinct approach within the broader field of the human, social, and political sciences. While remaining true to the fundamental principles of anthropology, it courageously confronts and rejects the illusion of scientific neutrality, advocating for a position that actively engages with the concept of participation. Recognizing its immense value, it argues that participation is paramount in the development of a comprehensive social and political understanding. Providing an overview of the methodological offerings of political anthropology, this invitation to explore the development of methodological ideas beyond the prevailing 'scientific and 'universalistic approaches that dominate in the social sciences will captivate scholars of anthropology, sociology, and politics who are passionate about questions of method and methodology.

Political anthropology is a field of study that examines the complexities of human society and politics, focusing on the ways in which individuals and groups interact and are shaped by their social and cultural environments. It draws on a range of theoretical perspectives, including social theory, cultural anthropology, and political science, to explore the diverse ways in which politics and power are constructed and exercised.

One of the key challenges facing political anthropology is the need to develop methodological approaches that are both rigorous and sensitive to the diverse contexts in which research is conducted. Political anthropology often involves studying complex social systems and processes, which can be difficult to understand and analyze using traditional research methods. As a result, political anthropologists have developed a range of innovative approaches to research, including participant observation, ethnography, and qualitative analysis.

Participant observation is a method that involves immersing oneself in a particular community or society for an extended period of time, observing and documenting the daily lives of individuals and groups. This method allows researchers to gain a deep understanding of the social and cultural norms and practices that shape individuals and groups, and to develop a sense of empathy and understanding for their experiences.

Ethnography is another method that is commonly used in political anthropology. It involves conducting intensive fieldwork in a particular community or society, collecting data through interviews, surveys, and other forms of qualitative research. Ethnography allows researchers to gain a detailed understanding of the social and cultural structures that shape individuals and groups, and to explore the ways in which these structures are contested and transformed.

Qualitative analysis is a method that involves analyzing data using a range of analytical techniques, including narrative analysis, discourse analysis, and thematic analysis. This method allows researchers to identify patterns and themes in the data, and to develop a deeper understanding of the social and cultural processes that shape individuals and groups.

In addition to these innovative methods, political anthropology also draws on a range of theoretical perspectives to explore the complex relationships between politics and power. These perspectives include critical theory, postcolonial theory, and feminist theory, among others. Critical theory, for example, examines the ways in which power is used to maintain social and economic inequality, while postcolonial theory explores the ways in which colonialism and imperialism have shaped the political and social structures of different societies.

Feminist theory, on the other hand, examines the ways in which gender and sexuality are used to construct and maintain power relationships, and to marginalize and oppress individuals and groups. Political anthropology also explores the ways in which political institutions and processes are shaped by cultural and social norms and practices, and the ways in which these institutions and processes are contested and transformed.

In conclusion, political anthropology is a field of study that is committed to developing rigorous and sensitive methodological approaches to the study of human society. By drawing on a range of theoretical perspectives and innovative research methods, political anthropology is able to explore the complex relationships between politics and power, and to contribute to our understanding of the diverse ways in which individuals and groups are shaped by their social and cultural environments.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032230023