Dear Hope enthusiasts,
The proposed panel explores Hope in anthropology- both how it is
theorized and how it is employed in anthropological practice. Here is
the session abstract:
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Hope and aspiration are rarely considered areas of anthropological
inquiry in a time of cynicism and pessimism about the state of the
world and our future trajectory. Still, some anthropologists have
focused their attention on the subject of hope, its emergence in local
projects and global networks, the different ways it is articulated,
and how it shapes our own anthropological research efforts. Seeking out
alternative visions of the world offers opportunities to see gaps in
our current power structures and possible spaces for contestation and
change. This panel will explore how the concept of hope might be
engaged with in our studies particularly at a time when new paths and
new possibilities are needed to inspire us to envision and work
towards a better future. As Zournazi (2002:17) asserts, "…we need to
re-envisage and imagine hope as a convergence of new agendas,
conversations and possibilities in everyday life and political
activity." By investigating alternative discourses and practices
that are part of new social imaginaries, panel members will consider
how
the spark of hope can be ignited in the field of anthropology.
Zournazi, Mary. 2002. Hope: New Philosophies for Change. London:
Routledge.
If you are interested in participating, please contact: Stacy Lockerbie
(lockers@mcmaster.ca)or Kathryn Mossman (kmossman@yahoo.com) with the
title of your paper and a brief description (100
words) as soon as possible.
