George Marcus

George Marcus is an American anthropologist and ethnographer known for his influential work in cultural anthropology and ethnographic writing. His research and publications have shaped discussions around reflexivity in ethnographic practice and the relationship between anthropology and contemporary society. Marcus helped develop the concept of "multi-sited ethnography" in the 1990s, which encouraged anthropologists to follow cultural phenomena across different locations rather than studying single sites in isolation. He also made significant contributions to the critical examination of ethnographic methods through works like "Writing Culture" (1986), which he co-edited with James Clifford. As Chancellor's Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, Marcus has focused on studying elites and powerful institutions, including research on dynasties in North American business families and the practices of central banks. His methodological innovations have influenced how anthropologists approach fieldwork in an increasingly interconnected world. Marcus's theoretical work on the role of imagination in social life and his explorations of new forms of ethnographic collaboration have contributed to ongoing debates about anthropological practice in the contemporary era. His publications include "Ethnography Through Thick and Thin" (1998) and "Critical Anthropology Now" (1999).

Readers praise Marcus's theoretical contributions to anthropology but find his writing style challenging. His work on multi-sited ethnography receives positive attention for expanding research methods beyond traditional single-location studies. What readers liked: - Innovative ideas about ethnographic methods - Clear explanations of how to conduct multi-sited research - Practical frameworks for studying contemporary institutions What readers disliked: - Dense, academic prose style - Heavy use of jargon - Complex theoretical arguments that can be hard to follow On Goodreads, "Ethnography Through Thick and Thin" averages 3.8/5 stars from 31 reviews. Multiple readers note it requires careful, slow reading but offers valuable methodological insights. One reviewer writes: "Important ideas buried in unnecessarily complicated language." "Writing Culture" (co-edited with Clifford) maintains 4.1/5 stars on Amazon from 22 reviews. Readers value its critique of traditional ethnography but cite difficulty with the abstract writing style. A common comment is that the book is "more referenced than read."

Writing Culture: The Poetics and Politics of Ethnography (1986) A collection of essays examining how anthropologists write about other cultures, exploring issues of representation and authority in ethnographic texts.

Anthropology as Cultural Critique (1986) An analysis of anthropology's role in examining and critiquing contemporary Western society and culture.

Lives in Trust: The Fortunes of Dynastic Families in Late Twentieth-Century America (1992) A study of wealthy American families and how they manage their fortunes across generations.

Ethnography Through Thick and Thin (1998) An examination of ethnographic methods and their evolution in anthropological research.

The Paranoid Style in American Politics: And Other Essays (1964) An analysis of political paranoia and conspiracy theories in American political discourse.

Ocasião: The Marquis and the Anthropologist, A Collaboration (2012) A detailed account of the collaboration between Marcus and a Portuguese aristocrat examining contemporary Portuguese society.

Ethnography by Design: Contemporary Issues in Anthropological and Sociological Practice (2017) An exploration of new methodological approaches in ethnographic research and their applications.

Michael Taussig explores themes of colonialism, magic, and capitalism through ethnographic writing that blends theory with vivid descriptions. His work in Columbia and examination of commodity fetishism aligns with Marcus's interest in elite networks and global capitalism.

Paul Rabinow focuses on modernity, science studies, and contemporary social theory through anthropological investigation. His writing on biopower and anthropological methods shares Marcus's concern with methodology and contemporary societal transformations.

Bruno Latour examines science, technology, and modernity through actor-network theory and ethnographic observation. His work on knowledge production and institutional power structures parallels Marcus's focus on expertise and authority.

Arjun Appadurai studies globalization, modernity, and cultural flows through an anthropological lens with emphasis on media and migration. His theories about global cultural economies connect with Marcus's work on transnational networks and multi-sited ethnography.

Anna Tsing investigates global connections, capitalism, and environmental issues through ethnographic research of commodity chains and ecological relationships. Her methodology of studying global phenomena through specific local manifestations builds on Marcus's multi-sited ethnographic approach.