Quiet Days in Burgundy: A Study of Local Politics: 79 (Cambridge Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology, Series Number 79) - Softcover

Abélès, Marc

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521040876 ISBN 13: 9780521040877

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2007

Synopsis

This ethnographic study of political life in the department of the Yonne, in the Burgundy region, explores a still richly Balzacian provincial world. The author, a French anthropologist, has extensive field experience in Ethiopia. Deploying the insights and methods of social anthropology by drawing on local history, interviews and participant observation, Abélès describes politicians at every level, from municipal officers to Members of Parliament and Ministers. He provides a clear picture of the process of 'decentralization' initiated by the Socialist government in 1982, and undermines the simplistic notion of 'centralist France'. This book, which develops a fresh perspective on political life in France, past and present, illustrates more generally an exciting approach to modern political phenomena, from the point of view of anthropology.

About this title

Book Description

This ethnographic study of political life in the department of the Yonne, in the Burgundy region, explores a still richly Balzacian provincial world. The author, a French anthropologist, has extensive field experience in Ethiopia. Drawing on local history, interviews and participant observation, Abélès develops a fresh perspective on political life in France.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521040876
• ISBN 13: 9780521040877
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 316