James Ferguson (anthropologist)
Encyclopedia
James Ferguson is an American born Anthropologist. He is known for his work on the politics and anthropology of international development
, specifically his critical stance (development criticism
). He is currently chair of the Anthropology Department at Stanford University
. His best known work is his book, The Anti-Politics Machine
.
International development
International development or global development is a concept that lacks a universally accepted definition, but it is most used in a holistic and multi-disciplinary context of human development — the development of greater quality of life for humans...
, specifically his critical stance (development criticism
Development criticism
Development criticism refers to criticisms of technological development.-Notable development critics:*Edward Abbey*John Africa*Stafford Beer *Charles A...
). He is currently chair of the Anthropology Department at Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
. His best known work is his book, The Anti-Politics Machine
The Anti-Politics Machine
-Synopsis:This book is a critique of the concept of "development" in general, viewed through the lens of failed attempts, specifically the Thaba-Tseka Development Project in Lesotho from 1975-1984...
.
Selected publications
- 2006 Global Shadows:Africa in the Neoliberal World Order., Duke University Press.
- 1999 Expectations of Modernity: Myths and Meanings of Urban Life on the Zambian Copperbelt., University of California Press.
- 1997 Editor, Anthropological Locations: Boundaries and Grounds of a Field Science (with Akhil Gupta), Univ. of California Press.
- 1997 Editor, Culture, Power, Place: Explorations in Critical Anthropology (with Akhil Gupta), Duke University Press.
- 1990 "The Anti-Politics Machine: 'Development,' Depoliticization, and Bureaucratic Power in Lesotho." Cambridge University Press.
External links
- Ferguson's faculty profile at Stanford
- Interview with James Ferguson by 'Theory Talks'