Dynamics of Difference in Australia

Indigenous Past and Present in a Settler Country

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, Cultural Studies
Cover of the book Dynamics of Difference in Australia by Francesca Merlan, University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Francesca Merlan ISBN: 9780812294859
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc. Publication: April 4, 2018
Imprint: University of Pennsylvania Press Language: English
Author: Francesca Merlan
ISBN: 9780812294859
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
Publication: April 4, 2018
Imprint: University of Pennsylvania Press
Language: English

In Dynamics of Difference in Australia, Francesca Merlan examines relations between indigenous and nonindigenous people from the events of early exploration and colonial endeavors to the present day. From face-to-face interactions to national and geopolitical affairs, the book illuminates the dimensions of difference that are revealed by these encounters: what indigenous and nonindigenous people pay attention to, what they value, what preconceived notions each possesses, and what their responses are to the Other. Basing her analysis on her extensive fieldwork in northern Australia, Merlan highlights the asymmetries in the exchanges between the settler majority and the indigenous minority, looking at everything from forms of violence and material transactions, to indigenous involvement in resource development, to governmental intervention in indigenous affairs.

Merlan frames the book within the current debate in Australian society concerning the constitutional recognition of indigenous people by the nation-state. Surveying the precursors to this question and its continuing and unresolved nature, she chronicles the ways in which an indigenous minority can remain culturally different while simultaneously experiencing the transformative forces of domination, constraint, and inequality. Conducting an investigation of long-term change against the backdrop of a highly salient and timely public debate surrounding indigenous issues, Dynamics of Difference has far-reaching implications both for public policy and for current theoretical debates about the nature of sociocultural continuity and change.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Dynamics of Difference in Australia, Francesca Merlan examines relations between indigenous and nonindigenous people from the events of early exploration and colonial endeavors to the present day. From face-to-face interactions to national and geopolitical affairs, the book illuminates the dimensions of difference that are revealed by these encounters: what indigenous and nonindigenous people pay attention to, what they value, what preconceived notions each possesses, and what their responses are to the Other. Basing her analysis on her extensive fieldwork in northern Australia, Merlan highlights the asymmetries in the exchanges between the settler majority and the indigenous minority, looking at everything from forms of violence and material transactions, to indigenous involvement in resource development, to governmental intervention in indigenous affairs.

Merlan frames the book within the current debate in Australian society concerning the constitutional recognition of indigenous people by the nation-state. Surveying the precursors to this question and its continuing and unresolved nature, she chronicles the ways in which an indigenous minority can remain culturally different while simultaneously experiencing the transformative forces of domination, constraint, and inequality. Conducting an investigation of long-term change against the backdrop of a highly salient and timely public debate surrounding indigenous issues, Dynamics of Difference has far-reaching implications both for public policy and for current theoretical debates about the nature of sociocultural continuity and change.

More books from University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.

Cover of the book The Heart and Stomach of a King by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book The People of the Parish by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Improvised Continent by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book The Port Huron Statement by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book The Mixed Multitude by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Measuring Up by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Dangerous to Know by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Envisioning an English Empire by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Why Terrorist Groups Form International Alliances by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book American Gandhi by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Topographical Stories by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Brothers, Sing On! by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Subjects unto the Same King by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book The Jet Sex by Francesca Merlan
Cover of the book Parrots and Nightingales by Francesca Merlan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy