Norman Long - Böcker

This book brings together the research into regional development and social change carried out in highland Peru by a team of British and Latin American social anthropologists and sociologists. The area studied-the Mantaro Valley of central Peru-is one of the most densely populated and economically differentiated of highland zones; it is also notable for its community-based forms of cooperation and its high level of peasant political activity. The book presents a series of case studies that examine cooperative forms of organization in relation to developments in the regional economy and to changes in national policy. The analysis attempts to avoid interpreting local processes merely as responses to externally initiated change. It stresses instead the need to consider the interplay of local and national forces, because local groups and processes themselves affect the pattern of regional and national development. The case studies cover a range of political and economic topics, from peasant movements to the achievements and shortcomings of government-sponsored agricultural and manufacturing cooperatives. The concluding chapter, by the editors, explores the theoretical implications of these studies.

While the diffusion of modernity and the spread of development schemes may bring prosperity, optimism and opportunity for some, for others it has brought poverty, a deterioration in quality of life and has given rise to violence. This collection brings an anthropological perspective to bear on understanding the diverse modernities we face in the contemporary world. It provides a critical review of interpretations of development and modernity, supported by rigorous case studies from regions as diverse as Guatemala, Sri Lanka, West Africa and contemporary Europe.Together, the chapters in this volume demonstrate the crucial importance of looking to ethnography for guidance in shaping development policies. Ethnography can show how people's own agency transforms, recasts and complicates the modernities they experience. The contributors argue that explanations of change framed in terms of the dominantdiscourses and institutions of modernity are inadequate, and that we give closer attention to discourses, images, beliefs and practices that run counter to these yet play a part in shaping them and giving them meaning.Anthropology, Development and Modernities deals with the realities of people's everyday lives and dilemmas. It is essential reading for students and scholars in anthropology, sociology and development studies. It should also be read by all those actively involved in development work.

While the diffusion of modernity and the spread of development schemes may bring prosperity, optimism and opportunity for some, for others it has brought poverty, a deterioration in quality of life and has given rise to violence. This collection brings an anthropological perspective to bear on understanding the diverse modernities we face in the contemporary world. It provides a critical review of interpretations of development and modernity, supported by rigorous case studies from regions as diverse as Guatemala, Sri Lanka, West Africa and contemporary Europe.Together, the chapters in this volume demonstrate the crucial importance of looking to ethnography for guidance in shaping development policies. Ethnography can show how people's own agency transforms, recasts and complicates the modernities they experience. The contributors argue that explanations of change framed in terms of the dominantdiscourses and institutions of modernity are inadequate, and that we give closer attention to discourses, images, beliefs and practices that run counter to these yet play a part in shaping them and giving them meaning.Anthropology, Development and Modernities deals with the realities of people's everyday lives and dilemmas. It is essential reading for students and scholars in anthropology, sociology and development studies. It should also be read by all those actively involved in development work.

In this exciting and challenging work, Norman Long brings together years of work and thought in development studies to provide a key text for guiding future development research and practice.Using case studies and empirical material from Africa and Latin America, Development Sociology focuses on the theoretical and methodological foundations of an actor-oriented and social constructionist form of analysis. This style of analysis is opposed to the traditional structuralist/institutional analysis which is often applied in development studies.With an accessible mix of general debate, critical literature reviews and original case study materials this work covers a variety of key development issues. Among many important topics discussed, the author looks at commoditisation, small-scale enterprise and social capital, knowledge interfaces, networks and power, globalisation and localisation as well as policy formulation and planned intervention processes.This book should be read for its desire to pursue a form of analysis that helps us to understand better (and more realistically) the kinds of development interventions and social transformations that have characterised the second half of the twentieth century and will no doubt continue to characterise future development studies.

In this exciting and challenging work, Norman Long brings together years of work and thought in development studies to provide a key text for guiding future development research and practice.Using case studies and empirical material from Africa and Latin America, Development Sociology focuses on the theoretical and methodological foundations of an actor-oriented and social constructionist form of analysis. This style of analysis is opposed to the traditional structuralist/institutional analysis which is often applied in development studies.With an accessible mix of general debate, critical literature reviews and original case study materials this work covers a variety of key development issues. Among many important topics discussed, the author looks at commoditisation, small-scale enterprise and social capital, knowledge interfaces, networks and power, globalisation and localisation as well as policy formulation and planned intervention processes.This book should be read for its desire to pursue a form of analysis that helps us to understand better (and more realistically) the kinds of development interventions and social transformations that have characterised the second half of the twentieth century and will no doubt continue to characterise future development studies.

This volume traces the development of the central highlands, one of Peru's major mining regions. It draws on extensive fieldwork carried out in Peru between 1970 and 1982, spanning a reforming military government, reaction and a return to civilian politics under Belaunde. Through historical material combined with field studies of villages and of the major town of the region, Huancayo, the book examines the economic and cultural processes underlying the 'progressive' reputation of the region in Peru and in the literature on development. Since the major enterprise of the region, the Cerro de Pasco Mining Corporation, was, until the 1970s, foreign owned, a persisting theme is the type of economic growth associated with and the distortions produced by, foreign capitalist economic enclaves on predominantly peasant economies. The political consequences are examined, showing the weakness of regional interest groups and the failure of contemporary regional development policies.

Drawing on data from rural communities both within and outside Europe, the contributors to this volume, originally published in 1984, examine the character and significance of non-wage forms of labour – for example unpaid household agricultural and domestic work and inter-household or community-level labour exchanges. Two central themes are explored. First, the question of the ‘survival’ of non-wage labour and ‘traditional’ patterns of family and household organization in situations where local economic units are, directly or indirectly, dependent upon commodity markets. Secondly, the changing nature and social evaluation of women’s work, both within the household and wider community, in contrasting rural settings. These themes are examined through a number of case-studies covering both industrialized Europe and less developed countries. The introductory chapter provides an overview of analytical perspectives on agrarian change and non-wage labour and indicates the broader theoretical implications of the case-studies.This volume will be especially useful for students and scholars working in the fields of rural sociology, economic anthropology, women’s studies and development studies.

Social change that occurs with rural development in the developing world is as important as economic change. But all too often economic aspects of development have been stressed without due regard to the sociological dimension. In this book, originally published in 1977, Norman Long uses empirical studies by sociologists and social anthropologists as a focus for his discussions of general theoretical and methodological issues. The book discusses the usefulness of various theories as analytical tools in the study of social change. The topics include modernization approaches; the role of cultural factors in development; Marxist perspectives concerning dependency and the articulation of modes of production; studies of entrepreneurship and decision-making processes, and the sociological dimension of planned change. The author emphasizes the relation between macro- and micro-level analysis.

Originally published in 1992, this book is an original contribution to overcoming the impasse of ‘totalizing’ theories in the sociology of development by arguing for an actor-oriented approach to the analysis of social change. Such an approach entails the development of theoretically grounded methods of research that allow for the elucidation of actors’ interpretations and strategies, and of how these interlock through processes of negotiation and accommodation. It places ‘the subjects of development’ – workers, entrepreneurs, government officials, traders, but also development practitioners and researchers – at the centre of the stage and rejects linear, deterministic and simple empiricist thinking and practice.Although primarily addressed to a sociological, anthropological and development studies audience, the book will also be of interest to scholars, students and practitioners in political science, communication studies, human geography and qualitative research methodology.

Learn how to use oil paints with this clear and simple guide. An accomplished artist and teacher Norman Long explains all the basics and shows you how to master this versatile, vibrant medium so you can produce beautiful paintings full of life and colour.A handy front section covers all the practical stuff, from choosing suitable materials to essential techniques. Ten step-by-step tutorials then guide you through a range of subject matter, from still life to landscapes and figures, providing a thorough grounding in painting with oils. Each tutorial is broken down into key stages, with clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions. There are also special features on composition, painting outdoors and painting people. Throughout, Norman gives plenty of tips and practical advice to help you make the most of your paints.Learn techniques, including:Materials and equipmentDrawingLight, shade and toneColour theoryProjects include:Still lifeCityscapeSkySelf-portraitMoving figuresAnd so much more.It's no real surprise that oil paint has been used for hundreds of years and is still the most popular painting medium. Oils create luminous, hard-wearing colours and can be used in infinite ways. Because they dry slowly, you have long working hours or even days after you start, and their slow-drying nature means they are fantastic for creating subtle colour blends. Best of all, if you make a mistake, you can scrape off and repaint as many times as you like.Painting with oils is easier than you might think, and oil painting rules are straightforward. Once you know them, you can do almost anything while producing works lasting for generations.