The Anthropology of Elites

Jon Abbink; Tijo Salverda

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1137290544 ISBN 13: 9781137290540

Publisher: Palgrave, 2013

A fascinating array of ethnographic and theoretical relevant case studies, this book is timely and topical in combining substantial new historical and ethnographic material about elites. Case studies include the Polish gentry, the white former colonial elite of Mauritius, professional elites, and transnational (financial) elites, with queries about power, culture, distinction and marginalization. The focus on elites from an anthropological perspective makes a significant contribution to explaining numerous and often paradoxical aspects of elites, their behavior, their position and their relationship with other social groupings.

Review:

"Popular insurgency around the world has recently put the power of elites in the limelight. This fascinating collection of case studies reveals their insecurity as well as the strength that others often project onto them. Of special interest is the contrast between global financial elites, floating above national laws with impunity and more traditional elites embedded in local society." Keith Hart, codirector, Human Economy Program, University of Pretoria Co-Director Human Economy Program

"It is increasingly obvious that anthropological approaches substantially enrich the study of elites. This fine collection of essays contributes further to this trend both from a comparative and analytical standpoint." - Jean-Pascal Daloz, Research Professor, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg

Book Description:

Offering insightful anthropological-historical contributions to the understanding of elites worldwide