Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 232 pages
- Published by: Routledge
- Edition: 1st Edition November 28, 1994
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0415083249
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0415083249
-
Book Dimensions:
7.9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
- Weighs: 10.2 ounces
Product Description
Cohen establishes the importance of the self and argues that in order to appreciate the complexity of social formations, one must first take note of individuals awareness of themselves and as authors of social contexts and formations.
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Reader Reviews
This review is from: SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS CL (Hardcover)
Whilst I agree to a certain extent with the previous reviewer about the fact that this book is basically a dialogue with anthropological theory, I must confess that when I read it I didn't expect it to be anything else. I don't believe Cohen pretends to be writing a critique of contemporary society (although his trenchant and pungent remarks re political individualism as expressed in the Thatcherite rhetorics of 80s Britain seem to be a nod in that direction). The central thrust of this book is exactly what the title suggests: that anthropological treatments of identity require a better self-consciousness on the part of the anthropologist. its part of trend in the direction of reflexive ethnography that actually takes account of the positionality - the life story if you like - of the anthropologist. If you want to give an account of others, you ought reasonably be expected to give an account of yourself, and to explain how the first is contingent on the second. And no, it didn't make my head hurt. I give it about 3.5 stars, really. This is a book about anthropology - if you're not interested in anthropology, and how the discipline works, don't buy it.
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