Re-Creating Anthropology: Sociality, Matter, and the Imagination

This book explores the interactions between sociality, matter, and the imagination, providing detailed case studies of film-making, spirit-possession, Theosophy, and artistic creativity. It reconsiders what anthropology is and should be in the twenty-first century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discussions about the nature and future of anthropology in the twenty-first century. Through a comprehensive exploration, drawing from diverse sub-disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, it delves into the intricate interplay between sociality, matter, and imagination. The book explores the multifaceted nature of imagination, examining its social contexts, its practical applications, and its embodied and material manifestations.

The chapters in this book present detailed case studies that shed light on various aspects of imagination. These case studies encompass a wide range of topics, such as film-making in Egypt, spirit-possession/exorcism in Italy, Theosophy and its influence on knowledge about UFOs, the role of mistakes or glitches in public performances, the diverse relationships humans have with the environment, post-coloniality, time, and crisis in anthropology, and the creative processes of artistic creativity.

By examining these case studies, the book offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of imagination. It demonstrates how imagination is not merely a cognitive or symbolic process but is deeply embedded in social, material, and cultural practices. It also highlights the ways in which imagination can be used as a tool for social change, knowledge production, and cultural transformation.

Moreover, the book emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in studying imagination. It encourages scholars from different fields to collaborate and exchange ideas, fostering a richer understanding of the complex relationships between sociality, matter, and imagination. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens the scope of inquiry but also contributes to the development of new theoretical frameworks and methodologies for studying imagination.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in the field of anthropology. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the interactions between sociality, matter, and imagination, providing a rich tapestry of case studies and insights. Through its exploration of imagination's social contexts, practical applications, and embodied and material manifestations, the book contributes to the ongoing discussions about the nature and future of anthropology in the twenty-first century.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032226620