Dados Bibliográficos

Resumo

In Mutual Life, Limited: Islamic Banking, Alternative Currencies, Lateral Reason, Bill Maurer explores the complex and often contradictory world of Islamic finance. He argues that Islamic banking, rather than being a simple alternative to conventional finance, offers a unique lens through which to understand the very nature of money, value, and economic practice. Through ethnographic research in Malaysia and Indonesia, Maurer examines how Islamic financial instruments are designed and implemented, revealing the intricate interplay of religious principles, market forces, and social relations. He challenges the common assumption that Islamic finance is simply a matter of avoiding interest (riba), demonstrating how practitioners navigate complex legal and theological interpretations to create financial products that conform to Islamic law while remaining competitive in the global marketplace. The book also delves into the broader implications of Islamic finance for understanding alternative currencies, economic development, and the relationship between religion and capitalism. Maurer introduces the concept of "lateral reason" to explain the pragmatic and flexible approach that characterizes Islamic financial practice, highlighting the creative ways in which actors negotiate and adapt to changing economic and social contexts. Ultimately, Mutual Life, Limited offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of Islamic finance, challenging conventional wisdom and providing a valuable contribution to the study of money, religion, and globalization.

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