*Diachronic approaches that account for cultural change and its context
5. What work/approach is the author opposing (Place a * next to any work that you feel the author is opposing buthas not acknowledged.)
Those who interpret space, place, and culture (and society) as synonymous.
*Synchronic approaches that don't account for cultural change and its context
The reification of place, space, community, society, culture, group, nation, etc.
Theoretical approaches of the 60's and 70's that artificially bound people to "cultures" and viewed individuals as automatons rather than creative individuals.
6. What is the author's approach to the question? Include both theoretical orientation and methodology if appropriate.
Presently unclear. Appears eclectic. See # 4.
7. What does the author conclude?
That more work needs to be done focusing on "cultural styles" rather than "cultures" as distinct entities. The authors also conclude that focus on the "borderline," whether metaphorical or literal, is an important place to start because this is where the conventional classifications of space, place, and culture break down.
8. What evidence does the author provide to support this conclusion?
Postcolonial societies
Immigrant, emigrant groups
Hybrid cultures
Multiculturalism
Cosmopolitanism
Globalization
These are all examples used to illustrate the arbitrariness and ambiguity associated with spaces, places, and cultures. The interstitiality, or interconnectedness inherent with many of these concepts also contributes to the shades of gray.
9. How does this change or inform your own approach to the issue or question?
This article was very illuminating. It informed both my proposal and independent research in that they both deal with issues of space. My proposal deals with cultural change among Chaco Indians, and the fact that I am able to refer to a particular people as "Chaco Indians" speaks to the reification of space, place, and culture mentioned in the article. Also, there are issues of these people becoming more involved in regional, national, and international economies and politics, and with this integration comes issues of ethnic identity in the face of "the other."