Re: feminist anthropology list(s)?

Arthur L. Baron (abaron@STU.ATHABASCAU.CA)
Thu, 30 May 1996 10:19:57 MDT

>
> On 29 May 96 at 21:28, holly martelle hayter wrote:
>
> > Hello John Pastore
> >
> > Feminist anthropology happens to be older than postmodern
> > and
> > reflexive (if you will) anthropology - and surely you know what that
> > is.
>
> Sure I do.
>
> ...Go back to Slocum 1970 "Male-Bias in Anthropology" and beyond
> > for its beginnings.
>
> O.K.
>
> .. A suggestion that others on this list often make
> > to those who ask these types of questions is - use the library - go
> > there - look up feminist and then feminist anthropology and see what
> > you find. Reading the material on your own is the best answer.
> >
>
> Problem with that is Holly, except for an air-conditioner manual
> library, Cancun, where I am, has no libraries. And, if they did,
> somehow I think they would have a section on that one
> --anthropologic or mechanic.
>
> The librarian, for sure, would be a lady though.
>
> > P.S. It won't appear in many "history of anthropology" or
> > "anthropological theory" texts,
>
> I wouln't imagine so...
>
> ...so you'll have to get knee deep in
> > feminism to find out.
>
> Wouldn't mind that --even higher!
>>
>
> Really, Holly: thanks, and you can call me John, if you like. :)
>
> >
> > At 02:13 AM 5/29/96 +0000, John Pastore wrote:
> > >On 29 May 96 at 9:42, Christiana Miewald wrote:
> > >
> > >> Sorry if this is off the topic, but I was wondering if anyone
> > >> knew of lists that deal specifically with feminist anthropology?
> > >> I'm looking for help with a paper on beauty pageants. Thanks.
> > >>
> > >
> > >Feminist Anthropology? Excuse my ignorance, but may I ask: what is
> > >that?
> > >
> Ka Xiik Keech Ya Utzil,
>
> John Pastore
> Writer/Guide in 'El Mayab'
> ("The Mayan Homeland")
> venture@cancun.rce.com.mx
>
> "A teepee is a pyramid, isn't it?"
>
> Pyramid="fire (pyre) in the middle (amid)"
>


Hi John

If I understand your original question, are you looking for a clarification
between feminist anthropology and anthropology and feminism? My own coursework
in anthropology and gender was heavily influenced by the feminist "paradigm."
My understanding of feminism holds as one of its main tenets; "the personal
is political." This is contrast to the patriarchal political structure (top
down, hierarchical power structure) that dominates many cultures. The male
bias came from many ethnographers who were not exposed to, or were denied
access to the female world within the culture being observed. Many non-Western
economies are dominated by women producing and selling their goods in local
markets. The importance of the local market was often overlooked by male
ethnographers, their ethnocentric bias (comparing a local marketplace to
Western economies) became evident when critical questions were asked by female
(and some male) anthropologists and other social scientists.

For many of us who try to affect positive change in society and are frustrated
by the social power structures around us, "the person is political" tenet is a
powerful touchstone.


Arthur Baron


Take care of your goodness.