Description

Title: Work of Culture: Symbolic Transformation in Psychoanalysis and Anthropology
Author/Publisher: Gananath Obeyesekere (University of Chicago Press)
Publication Year: 1990
Format: 380-page Trade Paperback

Synopsys: The Work of Culture: Symbolic Transformation in Psychoanalysis and Anthropology' by Gananath Obeyesekere presents a deep exploration of cultural symbolism and the human psyche. The author intertwines two disciplines - psychoanalysis and anthropology - to examine the symbolic transformations that occur within individuals and societies. Obeyesekere uses a variety of cultural phenomena from diverse societies, ancient myths, and dream theories to explain the universal symbol-formation processes and to challenge Western ethnocentric interpretations. The book aims to decolonize the analysis of symbolism in psychoanalysis and develop more global, cross-cultural methodologies and approaches. This piece of work illustrates how culture shapes individual experiences and drives societal changes on a broader level.

Synopsis

Published in 1990 by the esteemed University of Chicago Press, Gananath Obeyesekere's 'Work of Culture: Symbolic Transformation in Psychoanalysis and Anthropology' stands as a pivotal non-fiction textbook within the Lewis Henry Morgan Lecture Series.

This seminal study delves into the intricate connections between two profound fields: psychoanalysis and anthropology. Obeyesekere expertly examines how cultural symbolism shapes and is shaped by human psychological processes, offering a nuanced understanding of symbolic transformation across individuals and societies.

• Interdisciplinary Exploration: The volume masterfully bridges the disciplines of psychology and social science, presenting a comprehensive look at how psychoanalytic theories can illuminate anthropological phenomena and vice versa, challenging traditional boundaries.
• Symbolic Transformation: At its core, the work explores the mechanisms and implications of symbolic transformation, analysing how meanings are created, negotiated, and altered within cultural contexts and individual psyches.
• Lewis Henry Morgan Lecture Series: As part of the distinguished Lewis Henry Morgan Lecture Series, this book represents a significant contribution to ongoing academic discourse in cultural anthropology, reflecting high scholarly standards and original thought.

As a first edition of an influential academic text, 'Work of Culture' remains highly relevant for scholars and students in psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies, offering enduring insights into the human mind and its cultural expressions.

Condition

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