13533 - ANTROPOLOGIA ECONOMICA

Learning outcomes

The course aims to present the basic theoretical concepts useful for studying and analyzing the different forms of production and distribution of resources and the different consumption patterns in human social organizations as well as their consequences in terms of both social stratification and exploitation of environmental and human resources. The course introduces classic ethnographic cases from the literature of economic anthropology to strengthen the awareness of the historical character of the various social formations and of the ideologies that support and legitimize them. At the end of the course the student acquires the ability to identify and theoretically frame the main economic dynamics that run through societies, to recognize their ideological matrix and the generative power of social stratifications and hierarchies, to critically read the consumption models and the identity value of the social practices that derive from them. "

Course contents

The course aims to provide a solid foundation in economic anthropology. It begins by introducing the anthropological legacy of Karl Polanyi's seminal critique of classical economics inspired by early 20th century economic ethnography. The exploration of the ways in which the economy is rooted in society is developed through the literature on the exchange of gifts. We then examine egalitarianism and sharing economies among hunter-gatherers, further challenging the figure of "economic man". This brings us to sessions that explore different notions of ownership and ownership, and gender, kinship and economics. We then consider other systems of production and the entanglements of food, agriculture and social movements, before discussing how religion can be linked to the economy and the relationship of Protestantism to capitalism. The final sessions introduce the concept of informal economy, money and commerce, and anthropological accounts of finance and financialization.

Readings/Bibliography

Hann, C. e K. Hart 2011. Antropologia economica. Storia, etnografia, critica. Torino: Einaudi.

Mauss, M. 2016. Saggio sul dono: Forma e motivo dello scambio nelle società arcaiche. Torino: Einaudi.

Polanyi, K. 2010. La grande trasformazione: Le origini economiche e politiche della nostra epoca. Torino: Einaudi.

Weber, M. L'etica protestante e lo spirito del capitalismo (diverse edizioni)

Teaching methods

The course will be taught through the discussion of ethnographic case studies. The first half of each session will be in lecture form and the second half in student-led seminar form. Students must read at least three texts in advance for each session and prepare notes and a series of points for discussion. Pairs of students will prepare classroom presentations, based on a broader involvement with course materials and topics, on topics of their choice, accompanied by slides, lasting between 8 and 10 minutes, for each seminar. This material will form the basis of an open discussion to explore the themes that emerge. During the final session all students will make a second presentation addressing the different topics of the course in a broader way.

Assessment methods

The evaluation will take place through an oral exam, on a topic based on the course, to be agreed with Prof. Brightman. Students should demonstrate initiative and are encouraged to explore reading beyond the course bibliography.
Students are also advised to familiarize themselves with one or two detailed ethnographic case studies (e.g. book length), which they can use to illustrate ideas discussed during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Marc Andrew Brightman