A Reading Seminar in Anthropology
The Family and the State
With Dannah Dennis
Organized by Martin Chautari
In this reading seminar, we will explore the overlapping social and political formations of “family” and “state” in a variety of national and international contexts. While it may seem to be common sense that the state pertains to public life and the family pertains to private life, the state and the family are in fact deeply entangled with each other throughout the contemporary world. For instance, many states model themselves after idealized family forms even as they seek to discipline citizens through a variety of regulatory practices aimed specifically at family practices. Our discussions will be shaped by the following inquiries: how is family membership similar to and distinct from state citizenship? What are the assumptions, motives, and contingencies that shape these forms of belonging? By attending to the intersections of the family and the state, what can we learn about subjectivity, agency, intimacy, gender, and power?
Readings for the seminar are drawn primarily from the field of anthropology, with preference being given to recent ethnographically-grounded works. Each week’s readings are organized around a particular intersection of family and state (marriage, reproduction, citizenship, migration, conversion, and inheritance).Participants will be expected to read all required articles thoroughly and to take turns leading the discussion.
Dannah Dennis completed her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Virginia in 2017. Her dissertation was titled "Nepali First: Nationalism and Citizenship in a New Secular Republic." She has published articles on citizenship, transnational migration, nationalist discourses in social media, and the politics of urban infrastructure. She currently works as a Teaching Fellow at New York University, Shanghai.
Seminar dates: June 17–July 29, 2018. The seminar will be held every Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Venue
Seminar Hall, Martin Chautari
27, Jeetjung Marg, Thapathali, Kathmandu [Location map]
Course fee: NRs. 4000
Application deadline: 10 June 2018 [extended deadline]
Application process: To apply for the seminar, please email a 200-300 word paragraph describing your educational experience, work experience, any prior or current research, future plans for work/education, or any other factors that have influenced your interest in taking this seminar to dannahdennis@gmail.com. Additionally, please contact Martin Chautari office for the application form and payment.
Tel: 01 4238050, 01 4102027
Email: chautari@mos.com.np
With Dannah Dennis
Organized by Martin Chautari
In this reading seminar, we will explore the overlapping social and political formations of “family” and “state” in a variety of national and international contexts. While it may seem to be common sense that the state pertains to public life and the family pertains to private life, the state and the family are in fact deeply entangled with each other throughout the contemporary world. For instance, many states model themselves after idealized family forms even as they seek to discipline citizens through a variety of regulatory practices aimed specifically at family practices. Our discussions will be shaped by the following inquiries: how is family membership similar to and distinct from state citizenship? What are the assumptions, motives, and contingencies that shape these forms of belonging? By attending to the intersections of the family and the state, what can we learn about subjectivity, agency, intimacy, gender, and power?
Readings for the seminar are drawn primarily from the field of anthropology, with preference being given to recent ethnographically-grounded works. Each week’s readings are organized around a particular intersection of family and state (marriage, reproduction, citizenship, migration, conversion, and inheritance).Participants will be expected to read all required articles thoroughly and to take turns leading the discussion.
Dannah Dennis completed her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Virginia in 2017. Her dissertation was titled "Nepali First: Nationalism and Citizenship in a New Secular Republic." She has published articles on citizenship, transnational migration, nationalist discourses in social media, and the politics of urban infrastructure. She currently works as a Teaching Fellow at New York University, Shanghai.
Seminar dates: June 17–July 29, 2018. The seminar will be held every Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Venue
Seminar Hall, Martin Chautari
27, Jeetjung Marg, Thapathali, Kathmandu [Location map]
Course fee: NRs. 4000
Application deadline: 10 June 2018 [extended deadline]
Application process: To apply for the seminar, please email a 200-300 word paragraph describing your educational experience, work experience, any prior or current research, future plans for work/education, or any other factors that have influenced your interest in taking this seminar to dannahdennis@gmail.com. Additionally, please contact Martin Chautari office for the application form and payment.
Tel: 01 4238050, 01 4102027
Email: chautari@mos.com.np