Book Summary:

An Anthropology of Anthropology uses anthropological methods and insights to study the practice of anthropology as an academic discipline. It considers the contexts that shape the discipline, especially its beliefs, its publications, and the degree to which what it produces is of value to others. The book calls for a paradigm shift away from the publication treadmill—of assessing intellectual competence by how many books are produced in what period of time—toward a more profile-raising paradigm that focuses on addressing a broad array of social concerns in meaningful ways. Drawing on an anthropological dictum relating to exogamy—to marry out or die out—the book suggests anthropology needs to engage more effectively with problems of the broader world. The alternative is to turn in on itself, diminishing its public importance and funding.

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