44 pages • 1 hour read
Paul RabinowReflections on Fieldwork in Morocco
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1977A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco recounts Paul Rabinow’s first field research trip to Morocco during graduate school in the late 1960s. He begins in Sefrou, progressing to the town of Sidi Lahcen Lyussi, where he explores the influence of ancient religious practices on society. Through interactions with locals, Rabinow examines themes like anthropologist/informant dynamics, Otherness, and colonial impacts, arguing against the objectivity of fieldwork data. The book includes discussions of societal dynamics, gender roles, and sex work in Moroccan society.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Paul Rabinow's Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco is widely praised for its introspective and critical take on anthropological fieldwork, offering a richly detailed narrative with thought-provoking insights. However, some readers find its dense theoretical discussions challenging and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a valuable, albeit demanding, read for those interested in anthropology.
Who Should Read Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco?
Readers interested in Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco by Paul Rabinow typically enjoy immersive, ethnographic studies, and reflective anthropological works. Similar to those who appreciate Clifford Geertz's The Interpretation of Cultures, these readers seek insights into both methodology and cultural understanding through personal fieldwork narratives.