In Culture and Dignity - Dialogues between the Middle East and the West, renowned cultural anthropologist Laura Nader examines the historical and ethnographic roots of the complex relationship between the East and the West, revealing how cultural differences can lead to violence or a more peaceful co-existence.

• Outlines an anthropology for the 21st century that focuses on the myriad connections between peoples-especially the critical intercultural dialogues between the cultures of the East and the West
• Takes an historical and ethnographic approach to studying the intermingling of Arab peoples and the West.
• Demonstrates how cultural exchange between the East and West is a two-way process
• Presents an anthropological perspective on issues such as religious fundamentalism, the lives of women and children, notions of violence and order

About the Author
Laura Nader is Professor of Anthropology at the University of California at Berkeley. An influential voice in contemporary anthropology, Laura Nader's books include Naked Science: Anthropological Inquiry into Boundaries, Power and Knowledge (1996), The Life of the Law (2002), and, with Ugo Mattei, Plunder-When the Rule of Law is Illegal (2008).

Reviews

"This kind of work needs more deliberation in the academic world and it is a delight for practitioners who are interested in radicalising the discipline and practice of anthropology. Since the book eschews technical language of the specialist, it is equally accessible to the nonspecialist reader." (Journal of Intercultural Studies, 1 January 2015)

"The book is written in an engaging and highly accessible manner. Although it would have benefited from a deeper differentiated discussion of 'cultural dignity' and what it means in this world that Nader paints, Culture and dignity is a thought-provoking exercise in the kind of connections we need to make for an anthropology committed to a more honest and robust knowledge of the Middle East and the world." (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 1 January 2014)

"Drawing from an eclectic sample of literature dealing with the global connections between the Middle East and the West, the author achieves a much needed - and very timely - intellectual 'check-up' and warns us against cultural framings that serve to side-line serious explorations of the roots and nature of human suffering. It is crucial for all those of us who are genuinely concerned with peace to liberate our imaginations from the myths and stereotypes that work to divide us." (Studies in Ethnicity And Nationalism, 15 October 2013)

"The collection reflects the many lasting contributions Nader has made to understanding and improving the human condition. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries." (Choice, 1 July 2013)

Book Information
ISBN 9781118319017
Author Laura Nader
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 336g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 152mm * 13mm