Arguing With Anthropology: An Introduction to Critical Theories of the Gift

255 Pages·2005·7.75 MB·English

by  Karen Sykes

ARGUING WITH ANTHROPOLOGY
‘It is something of a stroke of genius to make gift exchange the guiding thread
of an introductory book . . . Sykes introduces many of the most important
debates that dominate anthropology today.As that rare book that accessibly
introduces students to the discipline without talking down to them,I think this
book will be widely used.’
Joel Robbins,University of California,San Diego
Arguing with Anthropology is a fresh and original guide to key elements in
anthropology, which teaches the ability to think, write and argue critically.
Through an exploration of the classic ‘question of the gift’,which functions in
anthropology as a definitive example of the entire human experience, it pro-
vides a fascinating study course in anthropological methods,aims,knowledge
and understanding.
The book’s unique approach takes gift-theory – the science of obligation
and reciprocity – as the paradigm for a virtual enquiry which explores how the
anthropological discipline has evolved historically,how it is applied in practice
and how it can be argued with critically. By giving clear examples of real
events and dilemmas in the history of the discipline, and asking students to
participate in arguments about the form and nature of enquiry in recent years,
it offers working practice of dealing with the obstacles and choices involved in
anthropological study.
• From an expert teacher whose methods are tried and tested with students
• Clearly addresses the functions of anthropology,and its key theories and
arguments
• Effectively teaches core study skills as the extension of a research and
enquiry model of learning
• Draws on a rich variety of Pacific and global ethnography
Karen Sykesis a Senior Lecturer in Social Anthropology at the University of
Manchester,where she teaches a popular introductory course in anthropology.
She received her doctorate from Princeton University in 1995 and has con-
ducted research in Melanesia since 1990.

ARGUING WITH
ANTHROPOLOGY
An introduction to critical theories
of the gift
Karen Sykes
First published 2005
by Routledge
2 Park Square,Milton Park,Abingdon,Oxon OX14 4RN
Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada
by Routledge
270 Madison Avenue,N ew York NY 10016
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group
This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005.
“To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge’s
collection of thousands of eBooks please go to www.eBookstore.tandf.co.uk.”
© 2005 Karen Sykes
All rights reserved.No part ofthis book may be reprinted or
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic,
mechanical,or other means,now known or hereafter
invented,including photocopying and recording,or in any
information storage or retrieval system,without permission in
writing from the publishers.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Sykes,Karen Margaret,1960–
Arguing with anthropology :an introduction to critical theories
of the gift / Karen Sykes
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Ceremonial exchange. 2. Gifts. 3. Anthropology–Philosophy.I . Title.
GN449.8.S95 2005394–dc22 2004021092
ISBN 0-203-49114-9 Master e-book ISBN
ISBN 0-203-56969-5 (Adobe eReader Format)
ISBN 0–415–25443–4 (hbk)
ISBN 0–415–25444–2 (pbk)
CONTENTS
List of illustrations vii
Acknowledgements ix
1 A sceptical introduction to theories of gift exchange 1
PART I
Modernist nostalgia 17
2 The awkward legacy of the Noble Savage 19
3 Gathering thoughts in fieldwork 38
4 Keeping relationships,meeting obligations 59
5 Exchanging people,giving reasons 76
PART II
Postmodern reflections:historical criticism 95
6 Debt in postcolonial society 97
7 Mistaking how and when to give 112
Postmodern reflections:critiques of subjectivity 131
8 Envisioning bourgeois subjects 133
9 Giving beyond reason 151
v
CONTENTS
PART III
A present without nostalgia 169
10 Virtually real exchange 171
11 Interests in cultural property 187
12 Giving anthropology a/way 205
References and suggested readings 222
Index 237
vi
ILLUSTRATIONS
2.1 Members of the Haddon expedition with assistants 26
2.2 ‘Hoisting the British flag in New Guinea’ 29
3.1 The kula ring 42
3.2 ‘Scene in Yourawotu (Trobriands:preparing sagali)’ 44
3.3 ‘Street of Kasana’I (Kiriwina,Trobriand islands)’ 45
5.1 The ceremonial exchange of pigs 80
5.2 A gift of pigs as a form of bride wealth 83
7.1 The Kabyle house plan 116
7.2 Bourdieu’s model of challenge and riposte 118
7.3 Cycles of reciprocity 120
7.4 Matrimonial exchange 122
8.1a Miners’cottages at Coatbridge 143
8.1b Accommodation for mine workers and families 144
8.2 Coming from the Mill(L.S.Lowry) 145
8.3 Business as Usual 147
8.4 ‘Manchester Free Trade Hall – For Sale’ 149
9.1 ‘Yam house’ 152
11.1 Malanggan carvings 201
12.1 Former Ladaven initiates 212–13
vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Although there may be other pathways of intellectual exchange the example
of ‘the gift’ remains both eloquent and apposite to the present. This book
emerges from a course of the same name, which I have taught since 1998 to
undergraduate students.I owe a great deal to those people who have made my
years teaching in the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of
Manchester both intriguing and pleasurable.Over a decade ago,my doctoral
supervisor,Rena Lederman,first suggested that it might be possible to teach
undergraduate students about the history of the discipline through the lens of
gift-exchange.Mauss had posed a good question;namely,why do people feel
obligated to reciprocate what they have received? Anthropologists continue to
respond to that question,and this book charts some of the replies.This is the
‘how’of this book.
This book also benefits from conversations with colleagues in the Depart-
ment of Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester and colleagues
elsewhere.Debbora Battaglia’s intellectual friendship gives greater value to this
work. For chapter 8’s insights I am deeply indebted to Anna Grimshaw and
Keir Martin, who helped me to see the north west of England (and perhaps
the Republic of Mancunia) in their different ways. Ann Kingsolver, Mark
Whittacker and their son, David, helped me learn to see with the camera
obscura on Eastbourne Pier.Joel Robbins read and commented on the entire
book, but his comments are unparalleled. Joel, like Debbora and Keir, pro-
vided the kind of conversation about anthropological thought that keeps the
discipline focused.
In the course of writing the final form of this manuscript over the past year,
I have been fortunate to benefit from the friendship,wisdom and good judge-
ment of a number of people.I hope they will recognize their thoughts inthis
book.They are Sandra Bamford,Debbora Battaglia,Stéphane Breton,Tony
Crook,Melissa Damien,Mattia Fumanti,Ilana Gershon,Sarah Green,Anna
Grimshaw, Eric Hirsch, Lawrence Kalinoe, Ann Kingsolver, Stuart Kirsch,
James Leach, Rena Lederman, Keir Martin, Michele McComsey, Michael
O’Hanlon, Victoria Price, Rosie Read, Joel Robbins, Will Rollason, Jacob
Simet,Marilyn Strathern,Mark Whittacker.
ix