Editing Anthropology

The Expansion of “Anthropological Sensibility” and Social Transformation from a Perspective of Publishing

Abstract

  This paper examines how the processes of writing, editing, producing, and selling anthropological works function as anthropological practice and contribute to social transformation through the expansion of anthropological knowledge. The discussion method involves analyzing the critical situations in humanities publishing in the United States and Japan, and examining the nature of editing in research from both practical and creative perspectives. The paper then focuses on the case study of "Utsutsu-do," a specialized Socio-Cultural Anthropology publishing company, discussing how its operations and publishing activities contribute to the social dissemination of anthropological knowledge. In conclusion, the paper demonstrates that editing and publishing are not merely technical "tasks" but have an activist aspect that promotes gradual social change. The authors emphasize the importance of spreading "anthropological sensibility" through book editing and publishing, suggesting that this may contribute to the redefinition and development of anthropology itself.