Resumen de The Gendering of Anthropological Theory since 2000: Ontology, Semiotics, and Feminism
Joshua M. Reno, Britt Halvorsen
This essay examines the gendering of anthropological theory by selectively exploring recent theoretical discussions on the ontological turn and semiotic anthropology. We argue that three distinct forms of exclusion underpin the gendering of theory. First, authors may include the work of women, considered inclusively, but exclude the relevance of gender and feminism in their contributions. We argue that this exclusion is evident in discussions of Marilyn Strathern as a primary influence on the ontological turn, conceived narrowly. The second form occurs when women are cited for their contributions but are not regarded as significant influences by later readers and are subsequently “lost” to theoretical canon formation. This form is evident in the influence of feminist science on multispecies ethnography, linguistic anthropology, and materiality studies among broad ontologists. Finally, the third form occurs when women are not cited as influences at all and excluded from canon formation. The third example we draw on indicates that the settled canon of semiotic anthropology has excluded potential interlocutors, such as philosopher bell hooks and semiotician Lady Victoria Welby. What our examples show is a tendency in ontology and semiotics to underplay the influence of feminist scholarship in accounts of theoretical innovation.
