The Anthropology of Power, Agency, and Morality: The Enduring Legacy of F. G. Bailey

F. G. Bailey's works provide a template for good ethnography, connecting micro-contexts to macro-contexts and analyzing the tension between individual and collective interests, the will to power, and social forces. This volume inspires new generations of anthropologists to revisit his texts and navigate their own research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

F. G. Bailey's (1924–2020) work is a groundbreaking template for conducting excellent ethnography. At its core, Bailey's ability to conceptualize the interconnections between the well-documented micro-contexts of individual interactions and the broader macro-context of culture sets him apart. Bailey's central preoccupations, namely the interplay between individual and collective interests, the pursuit of power, and the dynamics of social forces that simultaneously promote collective solidarity and division, resonate with universal appeal. The beauty of Bailey's work lies in his insightful examinations of how these themes unfold in local contexts among real people. His models offer nuanced yet explicit guidance for analyzing the diverse leadership styles of ordinary individuals and contemporary leaders.

This volume aims to ignite the curiosity of aspiring anthropologists, encouraging them to delve into the rich tapestry of Bailey's seminal writings. By doing so, they will gain valuable insights and tools to navigate the intricate ethnographic terrain of their own research endeavors.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526158253