Nuer Journey Nuer Lives: Sudanese Refugees in Minnesota

by Bernard Wong, Nancy Foner (Series editor)

This book examines contemporary migration to the United States through a surprising and compelling case study the Nuer of Sudan, whose traditional life represents one of the most important case studies in the history of anthropology. In understanding the experiences of the Nuer, readers will not only gain insights into the world of the refugee problem and the role of immigration in the Unites States, they will also learn about the features of Nuer life which are considered a standard part of the anthropology curriculum. The book juxtaposes elements of Nuer culture which are well-known within anthropology and featured in most anthropology textbooks with new developments arising from the immigration of many other Nuer to the U.S. in the 1990s as refugees from civil war in southern Sudan. Consequently, this book will fit well within existing anthropology curricula, while providing an important update on descriptions of traditional life. In addition to fascinating vignettes and case studies, this book provides an opportunity to examine issues of current importance within anthropology, such as social change, transnationalism, displacement, and diaspora in a way which is easy to understand and through a familiar example. For anyone interested in cultural anthropology, race, and ethnicity.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, College

Paperback

First published August 10, 1999

Reviews

[deborah ⁠♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this ethnography had an interesting subject that I knew little about, I felt it was a bit too repetitive and superficial in the information that it gave.

[Kevin]

I am more familiar with the Dinka than the Nuer, so this book gave me some insight into the Nuer, and it made the clever move to note that the Nuer have an important role in anthropology, having been studied closely in the 1940s. Their late 20th century appearance in and adaptation to Minnesota is contrasted to what anthropologists learned about them in the 1940s. My personal take away from this book was to learn that occasionally volunteers who give a lot feel betrayed, or at least not sufficiently thanked, but most find their work to be incredibly rewarding.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say, after reading this twice (once as a student and once as an instructor) that this book is among my least favorite ethnographies. It seems very superficially researched, and is poorly written and edited. Ultimately, the reader gets very little insight into either Nuer journeys or Nuer lives.

[Sammi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this for a Cultural Anthropology class. I did was not particularly interested in the topic which explains the low score. However, I did learn a lot ( crazy wedding ritual), it was well written and relatively fast paced... also it was short which helped.

If you are into cultural anthropology or immersion stories you would probably love this book.

[Erin]

Read for Introduction to Cultural Anthropology class in college.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read it for a class. Didn't enjoy it, but at times it was interesting, and it's important to know about what the Nuer endured and how they're adapting to a completely new life.