The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology is the first instalment of The SAGE Handbook of the Social Sciences series and encompasses major specialities as well as key interdisciplinary themes relevant to the field. Globally, societies are facing major upheaval and change, and the social sciences are fundamental to the analysis of these issues, as well as the development of strategies for addressing them. This handbook provides a rich overview of the discipline and has a future focus whilst using international theories and examples throughout. The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology is an essential resource for social scientists globally and contains a rich body of chapters on all major topics relevant to the field, whilst also presenting a possible road map for the future of the field. Part 1: Foundations; Part 2: Focal Areas; Part 3: Urgent Issues; and Part 4: Short Essays: Contemporary Critical Dynamics.

Anthropology of Economy and Development

Anthropology of Economy and Development

Anthropology of economy and development
Andrew Ofstehage

Introduction

Why don't quinoa farmers sell to the highest bidder? This question brought me to the Bolivian Southern Altiplano in 2009. At the time I was a masters’ student still transitioning from the natural science of agronomy to the messy anthropological study of economics and development. Quinueros (quinoa farmers) in the isolated community of San Agustin sold their quinoa to farmer cooperatives and private sellers who exported the pseudo-cereal to global markets in North American and Europe. They also sold to intermediaries known for their dubious business practices, low prices, and lack of access to global markets. I expected farmers to sell to whoever offered the best commodity prices, but slowly ...

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