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The question of individuality in non-European, and especially South Asian societies is a controversial one. Studies in anthropology and psychology undertaken in recent years on concepts of person and self approach the problem by concentrating on ideologies; the question of practice remains largely neglected. This is the first study to examine the individual-dividual debate empirically from the - emic - perspective of decision making, observed over a two-year period among the Bakkarwal, Himalayan Muslim pastoralists. Of particular significance is the fact that the author bases her approach on the life cycle and on gender and status differences.
List of contents
Introduction: Individuals and Dividuals
Chapter 1. Coming into Being
Chapter 2. Growing into Society
Chapter 3. Practicing Norms
Chapter 4. Perpetuating Life and Producing Values
Chapter 5. Reproducing Norms and Values
Chapter 6. Waiting for the Life Beyond
Conclusion
About the author
Aparna Rao (1950-2005) spent many years doing ethnographic fieldwork among numerous rural and semi-rural communities in Afghanistan, Kashmir and in western India, and published several books and papers based on her research.
Summary
The question of individuality in non-European, and especially South Asian societies is a controversial one. Studies in anthropology and psychology undertaken in recent years onconcepts of person and self approach the problem by concentrating on ideologies; the question of practice remains largely neglected.
Additional text
CHOICE OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 1999
