Mutualist Archaeology proposes that the theory of mutualism can transform archaeology from what some to consider to be a discipline in crisis.
This book argues that the methodological and practical applications of mutualism can transform both the practice of archaeology and the way that interpretations of the past are created. Nineteenth century theories of capitalism and Darwinism led many to assume that competition, in the present and the past, was the most natural process of the world. Despite the tenacity of the competitive argument, this book highlights another way of seeing the natural and human world, beneficial association, or mutualism. Chapters set out how mutualist theory can offer differing perspectives on the many historical contexts archaeologists investigate such as exchange and social complexity as well as how archaeologists work together. No archaeologist until now has explicitly explored the richness that exists within mutualism and in addition to providing a useful research perspective, mutualist theory also has profound implications for the practice of contemporary archaeology, including the drive to decolonize archaeological practice.
Introducing mutualist theory and its significance for archaeological research, this book is for researchers and students of archaeological theory and archaeologists looking for new ways to view the discipline.
List of Figures; List of Tables; Preface; Part I. Theory – 1. Mutualism, the Human Condition, and Archaeological Practice; 2. The Philosophical Roots of Mutualism; 3. Economic and Biological Mutualism; 4. Mutualism in Anthropology; 5. Mutual Aid; Part II. Practice – 6. Interpreting the North American Fur Trade as Mutualist Practice; 7. Indigenous Intercultural Mutualism; 8. Mutualism and Contemporary Archaeology; References; Index.
Biography
Charles E. Orser, Jr., adjunct professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, is an anthropological historical archaeologist. His two most recent books are An Archaeology of the English Atlantic World, 1600-1700 and Living Ceramics, Storied Ground: A History of African American Archaeology. He is also the founder and editor of the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. His research interests include social inequality, unfree labor, and poverty.
