Positioning theory: An introduction. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schiller, Nina Glick
• Editors: Reyna, Stephen; Eckert, Julia; Schiller, Nina Glick
• Is Part Of: Anthropological theory. Volume 16:Number 2/3(2016)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: decolonizing anthropology -- positionality -- approximate truth -- reality -- power -- southern theory; Anthropology -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Anthropology -- Periodicals; Sociology -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Sociology -- Periodicals; 301.01
• DOI: 10.1177/1463499616663792
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-4996

Abstract

What is theory? Who does theory? And what can theory do? Is theory important as humans strive to explain, understand, and speak to the nature of their lives? For the re-launch of Anthropological Theory, Julia Eckert, Stephen Reyna, and Nina Glick Schiller, the new editors, challenged members of the Editorial Board to offer their understanding of the nature of anthropological theory. In response, 12 contributors discussed the central theoretical questions and debates that are confronting anthropology, which they collectively understand as a project that explores what it means to be human and whether the human project can survive. Contributors highlight the importance of positioning theory in relationship to the historic project of decolonizing anthropology, current debates about 'southern theory' and the ontological turn, and the need to place theory in relationship to structures of power. In 'Positioning Theory: An Introduction', I note the way each contributor approaches the question of who is theory for and whose voice it represents, examining theory as both tool and vision in struggles to understand the world and in transformative struggles for social justice.