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A review by velarin
Pionierki. Maria Czaplicka i nieznane bohaterki antropologii by Frances Larson
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I am not a big fan of biographies but this one was a truly compelling read - it may be so because the volume was divided between five women and their intermingling lives. Larson's work is well written and thoroughly researched. Stories it tells are full of ambition and determination, as well as tragedy and pain. Our protagonists pushed forward, towards knowledge and success, even though in the end some of them fell victim to the cold misogyny of their world.
My biggest issue with this book is a lack of any deeper commentary on the place of anthropology in imperialist system and the role our heroines played in its maintenance. I think it's a missed opportunity to show that while oppressed as women, they still participated in science that was in its essence discriminatory.
Though I can't lie - it's pretty fun feeling morally superior to some rich British aristocrats, who wouldn't notice their own privilege if it punched them in the face.
*A sidenote I find funny is the complete change in the title of Polish translation of the book - "Pioneers. Maria Czaplicka and unknown heroines of anthropology". The strategy of using Maria's name for domestic market is obvious but I find the complete omission of the "British" element intriguing.
My biggest issue with this book is a lack of any deeper commentary on the place of anthropology in imperialist system and the role our heroines played in its maintenance. I think it's a missed opportunity to show that while oppressed as women, they still participated in science that was in its essence discriminatory.
Though I can't lie - it's pretty fun feeling morally superior to some rich British aristocrats, who wouldn't notice their own privilege if it punched them in the face.
*A sidenote I find funny is the complete change in the title of Polish translation of the book - "Pioneers. Maria Czaplicka and unknown heroines of anthropology". The strategy of using Maria's name for domestic market is obvious but I find the complete omission of the "British" element intriguing.