Managing Modernity in the Western Pacific

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Managing Modernity in the Western Pacific
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Mary Patterson
By (author) Martha Macintyre
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:326
Dimensions(mm): Height 228,Width 154
Category/GenrePolitical economy
Economic systems and structures
ISBN/Barcode 9780702239007
ClassificationsDewey:306.00
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher University of Queensland Press
Imprint University of Queensland Press
Publication Date 29 August 2011
Publication Country Australia

Description

Managing Modernity in the Western Pacific takes the reader on a broad sweep through contemporary topics in Melanesian anthropology and ethnography, and brings the strands together with nuanced and rigorous scholarship. 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. Thereby enabled to improve their standards of living, they would 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. This volume places contemporary debate on modernity in Melanesia into the perspectives of the global economy, and cultural/imaginary capitalism. In particular, contributors assess local ideas about wealth, success, speculation and development and their connections to participation in institutions and activities generated by them. In considerations of collectivities in rural Solomon Islands, fast money schemes in Papua New Guinea, gambling in the Cook Islands and the Vanuatu tax haven, these ideas emerge 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.

Author Biography

Authors Bio, not available