Regional Culture and Economic Development: Explorations in European Ethnology FROM THE PUBLISHER
From an interdisciplinary perspective based primarily on European ethnology and political economy, this book explores issues and concepts concerning the link between culture and economy. A historical introduction to key theoretical problems is followed by five empirical chapters discussing aspects of development in rural as well as urban locations. The author considers local leadership, looking in particular at part-time farming, counter-urban migration, and pluriactivity. The classification of informal economy is illustrated with examples drawn from fieldwork, and urban poverty and migration are each explored in detail. A discussion of heritage and identity as a resource for development questions whether the concern with the authenticity of culture(s) may be an inappropriate approach to take. The book concludes with a theoretical reflection on the problematic of culture and economy and a call for a return to the roots of European ethnology as an essentially political science.
Author Biography: Ullrich Kockel, University of the West of England, UK.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to European ethnology and political economy, this book considers the link between culture and economy. It outlines the key theoretical problems and present empirical evidence concerning the role of development in rural and urban contexts. The importance of local leadership is emphasized, especially as it impacts farming, counter-urban migration, and pluri- activity. The relationship between heritage (and identity) and development is explicated, with a critique of the scholarly preoccupation with cultural authenticity. Kockel teaches at the University of the West of England. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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