Managing Modernity in the Western Pacific

Dive into the intricate interplay of modernity and tradition with 'Managing Modernity in the Western Pacific.' This compelling trade paperback, published by the University of Queensland Press, spans 326 pages and offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary issues in Melanesian anthropology and ethnography. With a focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by Melanesian countries since the 1970s, this book reveals how globalization impacts local cultural practices and economic aspirations. The contributors examine local perceptions of wealth, success, and development, scrutinizing how these notions evolve within the framework of the global economy and cultural capitalism. Themes such as fast money schemes in Papua New Guinea, the dynamics of collectivities in rural Solomon Islands, and gambling practices in the Cook Islands are unpacked with a nuanced scholarly lens, shedding light on the complexities of individuality versus social obligation. This outstanding compilation not only contributes to academic discourse but also appeals to readers interested in anthropology, global studies, and the sociocultural transformations occurring in the Western Pacific. Enjoy the free shipping on your purchase and expand your understanding of modernity in this vibrant region of the world.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780702239007
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2011
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Pages: 326


Description:
Since the 1970s, Melanesian countries have been beguiled by the prospect of economic development that would enable them to participate in a world market economic system. Global markets would provide the means to improve their standards of living, allowing them to take their places as independent nations in a modern world. But development, like globalisation and modernity itself, are contested notions both in theory and practice. Managing Modernity in the Western Pacific takes a broad sweep through contemporary topics in Melanesian anthropology and ethnography. With nuanced and rigorous scholarship, it views contemporary debate on modernity in Melanesian within the context of the global economy and cultural capitalism. In particular, contributors assess local ideas about wealth, success, speculation and development and their connections to participations in institutions and activities generated by them. Fast money schemes in Papua New Guinea, collectivities in rural Solomon Islands, gambling in the Cook Islands, and the Vanuatu tax haven - all are considered in social contexts where notions of individuality, social obligation, and virtuous relations with kin and community are contested and in flux. This innovative and accessible collection offers a new intersection between Western Pacific anthropology and global studies.

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