The Material Culture of Failure

When Things Do Wrong

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, Sociology
Cover of the book The Material Culture of Failure by , Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781474289092
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: May 18, 2017
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781474289092
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: May 18, 2017
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

What happens when objects behave unexpectedly or fail to do what they 'should'? Who defines failure? Is failure always bad? Rather than viewing concepts such as failure, incoherence or incompetence as antithetical to social life, this innovative new book examines the unexpected and surprising ways in which failure can lead to positive and creative results.

Combining both theoretical and ethnographic approaches to failure, The Material Culture of Failure explores how failure manifests itself and operates in a variety of contexts. The editors present ten ethnographic encounters of failure – from areas as diverse as design, textiles, religion, beauty, and physical failure – covering Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. Identifying common themes such as interpersonal, national and religious articulations of power and identity, the book shows some of the underlying assumptions that are revealed when materials fail, designs crumble, or things develop unexpectedly.

The first anthropological study dedicated to theorizing failure, this innovative collection offers fresh insights based on the latest scholarship. Destined to stimulate a new area of research, the book makes a vital contribution to material culture studies and related social science theory.

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

What happens when objects behave unexpectedly or fail to do what they 'should'? Who defines failure? Is failure always bad? Rather than viewing concepts such as failure, incoherence or incompetence as antithetical to social life, this innovative new book examines the unexpected and surprising ways in which failure can lead to positive and creative results.

Combining both theoretical and ethnographic approaches to failure, The Material Culture of Failure explores how failure manifests itself and operates in a variety of contexts. The editors present ten ethnographic encounters of failure – from areas as diverse as design, textiles, religion, beauty, and physical failure – covering Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. Identifying common themes such as interpersonal, national and religious articulations of power and identity, the book shows some of the underlying assumptions that are revealed when materials fail, designs crumble, or things develop unexpectedly.

The first anthropological study dedicated to theorizing failure, this innovative collection offers fresh insights based on the latest scholarship. Destined to stimulate a new area of research, the book makes a vital contribution to material culture studies and related social science theory.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Bucolic Ecology by
Cover of the book Does Religious Education Work? by
Cover of the book Dictators and Dictatorships by
Cover of the book Hong Kong 1941–45 by
Cover of the book This Isn't the Sort of Thing That Happens to Someone Like You by
Cover of the book The Knight Who Saved England by
Cover of the book Introducing the New Testament by
Cover of the book Detention of Terrorism Suspects by
Cover of the book Osaka 1615 by
Cover of the book Lyotard Reframed by
Cover of the book Robin Hood by
Cover of the book The Conquistador by
Cover of the book Latin American Film Industries by
Cover of the book Alternative Art and Anthropology by
Cover of the book Light Footprint Management by
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