Power, Ideology and Inequality

This subject is not offered in 2011.

This subject offers a comparative perspective on the distribution of inequalities in human societies over time and in contemporary cultures. The aim of the subject is to investigate the varied manifestations of interactions between power, ideologies and the material world. This will involve us in discussions of the nature of 'egalitarianism' and 'hierarchy' and the way in which concepts developed by social theorists influence our understanding of indigenous ideas, theories and practice. Issues of gender, knowledge production, and access to scarce resources will be considered in relation to political processes and structures through case studies of caste, gerontocracy, divine monarchies and colonial cultures. The interplay between domination and resistance will be discussed in the context of colonial and postcolonial states and globalisation. The areas of focus will be the regions of the Pacific, South Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have a thorough understanding of the way in which anthropologists have approached political organisation in non-western societies.
• have acquired a knowledge of the ethnographic literature on the dynamics of political organisation in societies categorised in the literature as 'egalitarian' and 'hierarchical' in Australia, SE Asia and the Pacific.
• have critically examined anthropological theories about the distribution of power in societies in relation to issues of colonialism and gender.
• have an understanding of: issues of gender, knowledge production and access to scarce resources as they relate to political processes and structures.
• understand the interplay between domination and resistance in the context of colonial and post-colonial states and globalisation.

A research essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester), a tutorial assignment of 500 words 10% (due one week after presentation in week chosen by student) and a take-home examination of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop at the beginning of semester

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have practice in conducting research and speaking articulately.
• have practice in writing clearly in a variety of formats and reading with attention to detail.
• have experience of systematically evaluating a body of empirical data and identifying its theoretical context.
• have experience of methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills.
• have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication.