Publisher's Synopsis
This volume re-examines some of the theoretical debates centering on culture and its manifestations in the material world; that is also perceived as gendered. The essays presented here examine the variety of concepts of materialism and take a critical look at the notion of an 'object,' showing that 'object' is a manifestation and a construct, both symbolic and rooted in praxis. The body itself, as well as various acts and actions - songs, dance, and folklore - have their own rationale of being material and gendered. The material can form a signifier for negotiation of space and contestation of authority, as well as a tool to contest social inequality. The book describes different cultures and historical contexts, and it covers a wide range of what is meant by material, culture, and gender. The range of topics is vast, from India's devdasis system to school textbooks, from folk songs, crafts, fashion, and dance to prehistoric finds and museums. The approaches are mostly phenomenological, historical, and symbolic. The book will be of immense interest to scholars and students of gender studies, anthropology, sociology, museum studies, and cultural studies.
