Balinese Worlds [Hardcover]

Fredrik Barth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0226038335 | ISBN-13: 978-0226038339 | Edition: 1

In Balinese Worlds, Fredrik Barth proposes a new model for anthropological analysis of complex civilizations that is based on a fresh, synthetic account of culture and society in North Bali and one that takes full notice of individual creativity in shaping the contours of this dynamic culture.

In this detailed ethnography of the Northern district of Buleleng, Barth rejects mainstream anthropological generalizations of Bali as a cultural system of carefully articulated parts. Instead—drawing on many sources, including the sociology of knowledge, interactional analysis, postmodern thought, and his own exceptionally varied field experience—Barth presents a new model that actually generates variation. Barth's innovative analysis of Balinese life highlights both the constructive and the disorganizing effects of individual action, the constant flux of interpretation, and the powerful interaction of memory and social relationships, and knowledge as a cultural resource.

Balinese Worlds is a unique contribution not only to Balinese studies but also to the theory and methods of the anthropology of complex societies.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Fredrik Barth is a research fellow of the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Anthropology at Emory University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 380 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (April 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226038335
• ISBN-13: 978-0226038339
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,557,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating insight into Balinese societies in the Buleleng region, November 10, 2006

By 

Putu Julie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Balinese Worlds (Paperback)

This was a highly interesting and informative book discussing the culture and religion focussed in two villages, one Hindu one Muslim in the Buleleng region which is pretty much North Bali including areas such as Singaraja. The book is quite scholarly in it's approach and language which marks it as being quite different to most other books about Balinese culture and religion which are generally travel based guides and journals. A fascinating read for any religious studies scholar or anyone interested in Balinese culture

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars PEFECT!, April 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Balinese Worlds (Paperback)

its a very great pleasure to be the first one to review this book. I know people do not know much about Idnonesia. People only know the bad side of indonesia. I'm an indonesian myself and this book really potraits the good side that everyone should also know about indonesia.