The Anthropology of Plastics

An Agenda for Local Studies of a Global Matter of Concern

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2288907
AutoresG Pathak (0000-0002-3244-0372, Department of Global Studies Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark, autor correspondente), M Nichter (0000-0002-4112-3010, Department of Anthropology University of Arizona)
Ano2019
Volume33
Fascículo3
Páginas307-326
Data de publicação2019-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoMedical Anthropology Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0745-5194 • E-ISSN: 1548-1387
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/maq.12514
PMID30968437
OpenAlexW2937090758
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas45
Referências citadas71

Anthropology has largely ignored plastics, even as they have emerged as the paradigmatic material-and problem-of our times. In this article, we make the case for an anthropology of plastics as a priority for environmental and medical anthropological research. Drawing from exploratory fieldwork in India, we briefly highlight the benefits and risks of different types of plastics, identify areas for anthropological investigations of human-plastic entanglements, and unpack major debates about plastic control. We recommend analyses that take into account the social life of plastics and the life cycle of plastic production, consumption, circulation, disposal, retrieval, and decomposition. We propose a facilitator role for anthropologists in bringing environmental NGOs and the plastic industry to the table to reduce the human and environmental health risks related to widespread reliance on plastics. Overall, we argue that anthropological analyses are urgently needed to address environmental and global health concerns related to plastics

Environmental ethics · Political science · Sociology · Anthropology · Crafts, Textile, and Design · Microplastics and Plastic Pollution · Philosophy · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques