Pastoralists: Equality, Hierarchy, and the State

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Summary: review of pastoralists
Review: In this comprehensive analysis of pastoral peoples, Professor Salzman examines some of the most important issues concerning the relationship of pastoralists to the land, neighboring peoples and the state. Drawing on his vast knowledge of pastoral peoples, the literature on livestock-keeping peoples, and anthropological theory, Salzman skillfully re-examines and reinterprets some of the major contributions to the field of pastoral studies in light of current contributions. Using a comparative framework he also demonstrates that the pastoral literature can be important in addressing larger philosophical issues, such as the compatibility of freedom and equality. In a strongly argued conclusion, he points to some of the weaknesses of the post-modern emphasis in anthropology, and defends an empirical approach for gaining anthropological knowledge and a deeper understanding of pastoral peoples.