Social Theory and Archaeology by Michael Shanks

Social Theory and Archaeology by Michael Shanks

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Summary

In this analysis, Shanks and Tilley argue against the functionalism and positvism which result from an inadequate assimilation of social theory into the day-to-day practice of archaeology.

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Social Theory and Archaeology by Michael Shanks

Archaeological theory and method have recently become the subject of vigorous debate centred on the growing realization that archaeological theory is social theory and as such can be looked at by means of a wide variety of sociological frameworks, such as structuralism and post-structuralism, Marxism and critical theory. In this analysis, Shanks and Tilley argue against the functionalism and positivism which result from an inadequate assimilation of social theory into the day-to-day practice of archaeology. Aimed at an advanced undergraduate audience, the book presents a challenge to the traditional idea of the archaeologist as explorer or discoverer and the more recent emphasis on archaeology as behavioural science. The authors examine and evaluate the new possibilities for a self-reflexive, critical and political practice of archaeology, productively linking the past to the present.

Michael Shanks is the author of Social Theory and Archaeology, published by Wiley. Chris Tilley is a British archaeologist known for his contributions to postprocessualist archaeological theory. He is currently a Professor of Anthropology and Archaeology at University College London.

SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780745601847
ISBN 10 0745601847
Title Social Theory and Archaeology
Author Michael Shanks
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Year published 1987-11-12
Number of pages 256
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.