Thoughts on Four Subversive Words

Abstract

The words empire, civilization, anthropology and China are rarely seen together. In addition, all four words are actually foreign to the Chinese language. However, when they are juxtaposed, they point to exceptional Chinese experiences with the research field and suggest that these can lead to a new understanding of what anthropology can do to illuminate ancient and modern relationships. In particular, areas between the emperor-state that shaped a civilization and the multifarious lives of communities scattered within and on the outskirts of China challenge Chinese scholars to re-examine the reach of a discipline that has long been suspect in the eyes of the authorities. © 2012 Copyright The Australian National University.