Economic Anthropology

by Chris Hann, Keith Hart

This book is a new introduction to the history and practice of economic anthropology by two leading authors in the field. They show that anthropologists have contributed to understanding the three great questions of modern economic history: development, socialism and one-world capitalism. In doing so, they connect economic anthropology to its roots in Western philosophy, social theory and world history. Up to the Second World War anthropologists tried and failed to interest economists in their exotic findings. They then launched a vigorous debate over whether an approach taken from economics was appropriate to the study of non-industrial economies. Since the 1970s, they have developed a critique of capitalism based on studying it at home as well as abroad. The authors aim to rejuvenate economic anthropology as a humanistic project at a time when the global financial crisis has undermined confidence in free market economics. They argue for the continued relevance of predecessors such as Marcel Mauss and Karl Polanyi, while offering an incisive review of recent work in this field. Economic Anthropology is an excellent introduction for social science students at all levels, and it presents general readers with a challenging perspective on the world economy today.

Selected by Choice as a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title

Genres: Anthropology, Economics, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Zach Blume]

Probably the best serious introduction to the broader range of economics; makes very complicated economic debates that shape the history of the world pretty accessible to someone with just a bit of an anthropology background.

[Zahr1n · Rating 2 out of 5]

الترجمة تفتقد للدقة في اختيار المصطلحات كما تتسم بغموض المعنى.

[June Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

very solid textbook, informed me abt some specific disciplines in econ i’d heard abt but didn’t know enough about and did so in a reasonably digestible (at least interesting tho maybe unintentionally confusing at times) manner

also helped really acclimate me w/ alternative approaches to economics and kinda de-estrange me from the discipline through that

[Dafna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise yet extensive introduction to economic anthropology: how this subdiscipline appeared, where it got its inspiration from, what anthropologists have to say about development and neoliberalism. Some parts seem to be a bit over repetitive but overall it is an interesting and quick read.

[versarbre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great textbook in the field with clear writing. Its main achievement is to situate anthropology in much broader intellectual histories of economic thoughts/analyses.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

very clear and easy to read - laid out concepts well and was a clear picture of the discipline

[Damned Snake · Rating 1 out of 5]

We need to save economy from anthropologists (unless they're into HBD).

[elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the history of anthropology and its engagement with economy. It is at times a light review-type of readings, at times quite dense, but it can be a helpful start with economic anthropology. It brings a lot of relevant authors into discussions, but a preference for Malinowski and Polanyi is very obvious throughout the book.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read more like an extended academic paper rather than a well-formed, rounded text.