essay
On the continuing relevance of E. R. Leach's Political systems of Highland Burma to Kachin studies
social dynamics in the highlands of southeast asia: reconsidering political systems of highland burma by e.r. leach • 18 • Published In 2007 • Pages: 31-66
By: Maran, La Raw.
Abstract
This document, by indigenous Kachin professional anthropologist, discusses the continuing relevance of E. R. Leach's book Political Systems of Highland Burma to Kachin studies. It shows that the book had serious weaknesses and misunderstandings which Kachin scholars tried to correct through publications over the years. The most important of these weaknesses include Leach's conception of the Kachin as passive subjects of history, and inadequate translation of key political terms mostly because of lack of empirical data on the local context and varied meanings people used them.
- Subjects
- Reviews and critiques
- Cultural identity and pride
- Form and rules of government
- History
- Towns
- Revolution
- Political movements
- External relations
- Warfare
- Social relationships and groups
- Publishing
- Inter-community relations
- Administrative agencies
- Status, role, and prestige
- Territorial hierarchy
- Classes
- Mode of marriage
- Kin relationships
- Lineages
- Cultural participation
- Ingroup antagonisms
- Political parties
- Slavery
- culture
- Kachin
- HRAF PubDate
- 2012
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- Southeast Asia
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Anthropologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Teferi Abate Adem; 2011
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- 1888-2007
- Coverage Place
- Kachin State, Burma
- Notes
- Maran La Raw
- For bibliographical references see document 34:Robinne and Sadan
- LCCN
- 2007298875
- LCSH
- Kachin (Asian people)