Citation
Harrison, F. V. (Ed.). (1997). Decolonizing Anthropology: Moving Further toward an Anthropology for Liberation (3rd ed.). Association of Black Anthropologists, American Anthropological Association. Arlington, VA. ISBN 978-0-913167-83-0.
Chapter Summary
Foreword – Yolanda T. Moses
The foreword addresses the enduring challenges within anthropology, emphasizing the need for the discipline to reinvent itself to remain relevant and inclusive. It reflects on the evolution and impact of Decolonizing Anthropology since its first publication in 1991, urging continued transformation in anthropological thought and practice.
Preface – Kimberly Eison Simmons
The preface discusses the ongoing significance of decolonizing anthropology, highlighting the progress and struggles over the years, especially noting the emergence of new generations of Black anthropologists. It celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Association of Black Anthropologists (ABA) and reflects on the impact of the book on interdisciplinary discourses.
Introduction: Anthropology as an Agent of Transformation: Introductory Comments and Queries – Faye V. Harrison
The introduction sets the stage for the book by critically examining the state of anthropology and its complicity in colonial and imperialist agendas. It calls for a transformative approach to anthropology that promotes social justice and equality, challenging existing power structures and advocating for a more inclusive discipline.
Chapter 1: Man and Nature, White and Other – Michael L. Blakey
This chapter explores the concept of nature in Western thought and its implications in anthropology, particularly how it has been used to perpetuate racial hierarchies and justify the subjugation of non-European peoples. Blakey critiques the ideological underpinnings of biological determinism and its role in sustaining systemic racism.
Chapter 2: Colonized Anthropology: Cargo-Cult Discourse – Pem Davidson Buck
Buck examines the cargo-cult discourse within anthropology, highlighting how such narratives have been used to depict colonized peoples as irrational and primitive. The chapter argues for a decolonized approach that recognizes the agency and complexity of these communities.
Chapter 3: On Ethnography in an Intertextual Situation: Reading Narratives or Deconstructing Discourse? – Glenn H. Jordan
Jordan discusses the challenges of conducting ethnography in a postmodern context, where narratives are intertextual and multifaceted. The chapter advocates for a reflexive approach that deconstructs dominant discourses and acknowledges the power dynamics inherent in ethnographic work.
Chapter 4: Undoing Fieldwork: Personal, Political, Theoretical and Methodological Implications – Deborah D’Amico-Samuels
D’Amico-Samuels explores the personal, political, and theoretical dimensions of fieldwork, arguing for methodologies that are critically engaged and politically conscious. The chapter underscores the importance of reflexivity and positionality in anthropological research.
Chapter 5: Ethnography as Politics – Faye V. Harrison
Harrison delves into the political implications of ethnographic practice, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities of anthropologists. The chapter calls for an ethnography that not only documents but also actively engages with struggles for social justice.
Chapter 6: Confronting the Ethics of Ethnography: Lessons from Fieldwork in Central America – Philippe Bourgois
Bourgois shares insights from his fieldwork in Central America, focusing on the ethical challenges faced by anthropologists in politically volatile environments. The chapter emphasizes the need for ethical accountability and solidarity with marginalized communities.
Chapter 7: “They Exploited Us But We Didn’t Feel It”: Hegemony, Ethnic Militancy, and the Miskitu-Sandinista Conflict – Charles R. Hale
Hale examines the Miskitu-Sandinista conflict, analyzing how hegemony and ethnic militancy have shaped the experiences and responses of the Miskitu people. The chapter highlights the complexities of ethnic identity and political resistance.
Chapter 8: Anthropology and Liberation – Edmund T. Gordon
Gordon discusses the role of anthropology in liberation movements, advocating for a praxis-oriented approach that aligns with the goals of oppressed communities. The chapter argues for a transformative anthropology that contributes to social change.
Chapter 9: Militarism and Accumulation as Cargo Cult – Angelia Gilliam
Gilliam critiques the militaristic and accumulative tendencies of modern states, drawing parallels with cargo cults. The chapter explores the intersections of militarism, capitalism, and cultural ideology.
Chapter 10: Conclusion – Delmos J. Jones
Jones concludes the book by reflecting on the overarching themes and future directions for decolonizing anthropology. The chapter reiterates the need for continued critical engagement and the development of new paradigms that challenge colonial legacies.
The book collectively aims to push the boundaries of anthropology, advocating for an inclusive and transformative discipline that critically engages with issues of race, class, and gender.
Key Concepts
1. Decolonizing Anthropology
The central theme of the book is the decolonization of anthropology, which involves challenging and transforming the discipline’s historical complicity in colonialism and imperialism. This includes critiquing traditional anthropological practices and theories that have marginalized non-Western perspectives and perpetuated power imbalances.
2. Anthropology for Liberation
This concept advocates for an anthropology that actively contributes to social justice and liberation movements. It calls for anthropologists to engage in research and praxis that support the struggles of oppressed and marginalized communities, aiming to create a more equitable and humane world.
3. Reflexivity and Positionality
Reflexivity refers to the practice of reflecting on one’s own biases, assumptions, and positionality—the social and political contexts that shape the anthropologist’s identity and influence their research. Recognizing and addressing these factors is crucial for ethical and responsible anthropological work.
4. Neo-Marxist Political Economy
The book incorporates a neo-Marxist approach to political economy, which analyzes the ways in which economic systems and class relations shape social structures and cultural practices. This perspective highlights the intersections of race, class, and gender in the global capitalist system.
5. Postmodernism and Anthropology
Postmodernism in anthropology critiques the positivist and realist traditions that have dominated the discipline. It emphasizes the subjective nature of knowledge production and challenges the authority of the anthropologist as the sole interpreter of cultural meanings. However, the book also critiques postmodernism for its potential to obscure power relations and political struggles.
6. Feminist Anthropology
Feminist anthropology examines how gender intersects with race and class to shape social identities and power dynamics. This approach emphasizes the importance of including women’s experiences and perspectives in anthropological research and theory.
7. Ethical Anthropology
Ethical considerations in anthropology involve addressing the power dynamics between researchers and their subjects, ensuring informed consent, and prioritizing the well-being and rights of research participants. The book advocates for an ethics of engagement and accountability in anthropological practice.
8. Hegemony and Resistance
The concept of hegemony refers to the dominance of one social group over others, maintained through cultural, ideological, and political means. The book explores how marginalized groups resist hegemonic forces and create spaces for alternative forms of knowledge and social organization.
9. Ethnography and Politics
Ethnography is not just a method for collecting data but also a political act. The book emphasizes the need for ethnographers to be aware of the political implications of their work and to use ethnography as a tool for social critique and activism.
10. Intertextuality in Ethnography
Intertextuality refers to the interconnectedness of texts and the idea that no text exists in isolation. In ethnography, this concept highlights the multiple layers of meaning and the dialogic relationship between the anthropologist and their subjects, as well as the broader socio-political context.
11. Cultural Relativism vs. Universalism
Cultural relativism is the principle that an individual’s beliefs and behaviors should be understood in the context of their own culture. This contrasts with universalism, which seeks to identify commonalities across cultures. The book discusses the tensions between these approaches and advocates for a balanced perspective that respects cultural differences while addressing universal human rights.
12. Methodological Pluralism
The book advocates for methodological pluralism, the use of multiple methods and perspectives in anthropological research. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena.
13. Third World Intellectual Traditions
The contributions of intellectuals from the Global South are highlighted as crucial for developing a truly decolonized and inclusive anthropology. These perspectives challenge Western-centric theories and offer alternative frameworks for understanding social and cultural issues.
14. Structural Violence
Structural violence refers to the systematic ways in which social structures harm or disadvantage individuals. The book examines how anthropologists can uncover and address the underlying causes of structural violence in their research and advocacy.
15. Empowerment through Knowledge
A key goal of decolonized anthropology is to empower marginalized communities by co-producing knowledge that is relevant and useful for their struggles. This involves collaborative research practices and the dissemination of findings in accessible and impactful ways.
These key concepts collectively form the foundation for a decolonized anthropology that is engaged, reflexive, and committed to social justice. The book encourages anthropologists to critically examine their own practices and to work towards creating a discipline that is more inclusive and transformative.
Critical Analysis
1. Transformative Potential of Anthropology
The book argues that anthropology has the potential to be a transformative discipline that not only studies societies but actively engages in social change. This critical perspective challenges the traditional view of anthropology as a neutral, objective science, instead positioning it as a field that can and should advocate for marginalized communities.
2. Critique of Colonial Legacies
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to critiquing the colonial legacies within anthropology. This includes examining how anthropological theories and practices have historically reinforced colonial power structures and racial hierarchies. The authors call for a reevaluation of these foundations to develop a more ethical and equitable discipline.
3. Intersectionality in Anthropological Theory
The book emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in anthropological research, which involves analyzing how various forms of social stratification—such as race, gender, and class—intersect and influence each other. This approach provides a more holistic understanding of social dynamics and challenges reductionist perspectives that isolate these factors.
4. Challenges of Postmodernism
While postmodernism’s critique of positivist science and emphasis on the subjective nature of knowledge production are acknowledged, the book also critiques postmodernism for its potential to depoliticize anthropology. The authors argue that an overemphasis on textuality and relativism can obscure the material conditions and power relations that shape social realities.
5. Ethical Dilemmas and Responsibilities
Ethical considerations are a central theme, with multiple chapters exploring the dilemmas anthropologists face when conducting fieldwork. Issues such as informed consent, the potential for exploitation, and the need for ethical accountability are discussed in depth. The book advocates for a more engaged and ethically responsible anthropology that prioritizes the rights and well-being of research participants.
6. Role of Native Anthropologists
The book highlights the contributions and challenges faced by native anthropologists—those who study their own cultures or communities. It critiques the marginalization of these scholars within the broader discipline and calls for greater recognition of their unique perspectives and insights, which can enrich anthropological theory and practice.
7. Relevance of Neo-Marxist Political Economy
The incorporation of neo-Marxist political economy provides a critical framework for analyzing how global capitalist systems perpetuate inequalities. This perspective emphasizes the role of economic structures in shaping social relations and critiques the discipline’s historical neglect of these factors.
8. Feminist Critiques and Contributions
Feminist anthropology is shown as essential for understanding the complex interplay between gender, race, and class. The book critiques traditional anthropological approaches that have marginalized women’s experiences and contributions, advocating for a more inclusive and intersectional analysis.
9. Problematizing Ethnographic Authority
The authors critically examine the concept of ethnographic authority—the idea that the anthropologist has the final say in interpreting and representing the cultures they study. By highlighting the power dynamics inherent in this process, the book calls for more collaborative and participatory approaches that give greater voice to the subjects of ethnographic research.
10. Challenges of Ethical Engagement
The book explores the practical challenges of ethical engagement in anthropology, particularly in politically volatile or repressive environments. It discusses the risks and responsibilities involved in conducting research that is both ethical and politically engaged, and the potential consequences for both researchers and participants.
11. Critique of Anthropological Canon
The book critiques the existing anthropological canon for its Eurocentrism and androcentrism, arguing that it has systematically excluded or marginalized the contributions of non-Western and female scholars. It calls for a redefinition of the canon to include a broader range of perspectives and voices.
12. Impact of Militarism and Capitalism
Gilliam’s chapter on militarism and capitalism critiques the ways in which these forces shape global inequalities and influence anthropological research. The book argues that anthropologists must critically engage with these issues and consider how their work can challenge rather than reinforce militaristic and capitalistic ideologies.
13. Advocacy and Activism in Anthropology
The book positions advocacy and activism as integral to the discipline of anthropology. It argues that anthropologists have a responsibility to use their knowledge and skills to advocate for social justice and to support the communities they study. This involves not only producing academic knowledge but also engaging in public scholarship and activism.
14. Decolonizing Methodologies
The book advocates for decolonizing methodologies that challenge traditional research practices and prioritize the perspectives and needs of marginalized communities. This involves developing new methods that are more participatory, collaborative, and respectful of local knowledge and agency.
15. Epistemological and Methodological Pluralism
The book calls for an epistemological and methodological pluralism that embraces a diversity of perspectives and approaches. This pluralism is seen as essential for developing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena and for challenging the dominance of Western-centric paradigms.
Overall, the critical analysis presented in Decolonizing Anthropology emphasizes the need for a more reflexive, ethical, and politically engaged anthropology. It challenges anthropologists to critically examine their own practices and to work towards a discipline that is more inclusive, transformative, and committed to social justice.
Real-World Applications and Examples
1. Addressing Structural Inequality
The principles outlined in Decolonizing Anthropology can be applied to address structural inequalities in various contexts. For example, anthropologists can work with marginalized communities to document and analyze the impacts of economic policies on local populations, thereby providing evidence to support advocacy for more equitable economic practices. By highlighting how systemic inequalities are maintained, anthropologists can aid in developing strategies for social change.
2. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
CBPR involves collaboration between researchers and community members throughout the research process. This approach can be used to ensure that the research addresses the community’s needs and priorities, and that the findings are directly beneficial to them. For instance, in urban settings, CBPR can be used to study the impacts of gentrification, involving residents in the data collection and analysis to advocate for policies that protect their rights and interests.
3. Ethical Engagement in Conflict Zones
Anthropologists working in conflict zones, such as those studying the Miskitu-Sandinista conflict as described by Charles R. Hale, can use their insights to inform international human rights organizations and policymakers. By providing detailed, on-the-ground accounts of the lived experiences of affected communities, anthropologists can help to shape more effective and humane interventions.
4. Decolonizing Museum Practices
Michael L. Blakey’s critique of museum exhibits highlights the need for museums to decolonize their practices. This can involve collaborating with indigenous and local communities to co-curate exhibits, ensuring that their perspectives and voices are represented. Museums can also revise their narratives to include the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and imperialism.
5. Environmental Justice
Anthropologists can contribute to environmental justice movements by documenting how environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities. For example, by studying the health impacts of pollution in low-income neighborhoods, anthropologists can support grassroots campaigns for cleaner environments and hold corporations and governments accountable.
6. Policy Development
Insights from decolonized anthropology can inform the development of policies that are more inclusive and equitable. Anthropologists can provide evidence-based recommendations on issues such as immigration, housing, education, and healthcare. Their work can help ensure that policies consider the diverse needs and experiences of all communities, particularly those that are historically marginalized.
7. Education and Curriculum Development
The book’s critiques can be used to reform educational curricula to include diverse perspectives and histories. Educators can incorporate readings and case studies from Decolonizing Anthropology to teach students about the importance of inclusive and equitable research practices. This can help to foster a new generation of anthropologists who are committed to social justice.
8. Collaborative Ethnography
Glenn H. Jordan’s discussion on intertextuality in ethnography suggests a model for collaborative ethnography where researchers and community members co-author research outputs. This approach can be applied in various settings, such as documenting cultural practices or developing community histories, ensuring that the resulting narratives are co-created and co-owned.
9. Public Anthropology and Advocacy
Public anthropology involves engaging broader audiences beyond academia to address societal issues. Anthropologists can write op-eds, participate in public forums, and use social media to raise awareness about issues such as racial injustice, gender inequality, and economic disparity. Their expertise can help shape public opinion and influence policy debates.
10. Health Disparities
Philippe Bourgois’s lessons from fieldwork in Central America can be applied to address health disparities in marginalized communities. Anthropologists can work with healthcare providers to develop culturally sensitive health interventions, ensuring that medical practices and policies are informed by the lived experiences of diverse populations.
11. Gender Equity Initiatives
Feminist anthropology, as discussed in the book, can inform gender equity initiatives by providing a nuanced understanding of how gender intersects with other forms of inequality. For example, anthropologists can collaborate with organizations to design programs that address the specific needs of women in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
12. Legal and Human Rights Advocacy
Anthropological research can be used to support legal and human rights advocacy. For example, documenting instances of racial discrimination or human rights abuses can provide crucial evidence in legal cases and human rights campaigns. Anthropologists can also serve as expert witnesses in court, helping to contextualize the experiences of marginalized groups.
13. Addressing Educational Inequalities
Kimberly Eison Simmons’s reflections on the impact of Decolonizing Anthropology can be used to develop educational programs that address inequalities in access to education. By working with schools and community organizations, anthropologists can help design curricula that reflect the histories and contributions of marginalized communities, promoting a more inclusive educational environment.
14. Enhancing Cultural Competency in Organizations
Organizations, particularly those in multicultural settings, can benefit from the insights of decolonized anthropology to enhance cultural competency. This involves training staff to understand and respect cultural differences, which can improve service delivery and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.
15. Media and Representation
The critique of ethnographic authority and representation can be applied to media practices. Anthropologists can collaborate with filmmakers, journalists, and other media professionals to ensure that representations of marginalized communities are accurate, respectful, and empowering. This can help to challenge stereotypes and promote more nuanced portrayals.
By applying the principles and insights from Decolonizing Anthropology, anthropologists can contribute to a wide range of real-world issues, from policy development to community advocacy, ensuring that their work not only advances academic knowledge but also supports social justice and transformation.