Politics: a static network of structural and functional models? Is it a "given" set of rules, statuses and procedures? Or a dynamic process, a continuum related to the past as well as to the present and continually influenced by pressures within and outside of a society? Taking the latter view of the nature of political behavior, the editors of Political Anthropology here present an original compilation of papers that thoroughly assess contemporary anthropological research and theory on political phenomena and explore the sources and maintenance of political power. One of the aims of this book is to take tentative steps toward resolving the developing crisis by investigating the structure of political action revealed in empirical data. Within the general framework of political dynamics the book uses processes such as decision making, the judicial process, the disturbance and settlement of policy issues, the application of sanctions, and the outcome of disputes among other things. These items will find their places as components of phases in the major sequence. Investigating societies from Africa to Alaska, politics is shown to be a global phenomenon--a "human process of action" centering on the conflict between the "common good" and "interests of groups," and on the resolution or extension of that conflict by the religious, structural, sociocultural, and psychological pressures within and external to a social grouping. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the nature of political process, Political Anthropology presents a fresh, important and comprehensive overview of the "wind of change" currently abroad in the study of political behavior.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Aldine Transaction
ISBN-10
0202010260
ISBN-13
9780202010267
eBay Product ID (ePID)
1452354
Product Key Features
Author
Victor w. Turner, Marc J. Swartz, Arthur Tuden
Language
English
Topic
General, Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Anthropology / General, Sociology / Social Theory
Dimensions
Item Length
9.4in
Item Width
6.3in
Item Weight
22.4 Oz
Additional Product Features
Reviews
"[I]t is time that the wealth of material now available on the political aspects of society should be given theoretical relevance." --J. La Fontaine, Man "Little serious attempt at constructing general political theory has been made in social anthropology since African Political Systems appeared in 1940... Any attempt to bring the subject more into line with modern general theoretical developments is therefore very welcome. This the present work attempts; indeed, it does more than attempt: it makes a singularly brilliant contribution towards a new style of general political theory." --Peter Worsley, The British Journal of Sociology "Teachers of political anthropology... will welcome this book in which the former domination of African ethnography has given way to a global perspective." --Chandra Jayawardena, American Anthropologist
Publication Name
Political Anthropology
Format
Hardcover
Target Audience
Scholarly & Professional
Lccn
66-015210
Dewey Decimal
320/.01
Publication Year
1966
Type
Textbook
Dewey Edition
23
Genre
Law, Social Science, Political Science
Number of Pages
317 Pages
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