Detachment ― Essays on the Limits of Relational Thinking

This interdisciplinary volume questions one of the most fundamental tenets of social theory by focusing on detachment, an important but neglected aspect of social life. Going against the grain of recent theoretical celebrations of engagement, this book challenges us to re-think the relational basis of social theory. In so, doing it brings to light the productive aspects of disconnection, distance and detachment. Rather than treating detachment simply as the moral inversion of compassion and engagement, the volume brings together empirical studies and theoretical comments by leading anthropologists, sociologists and science studies scholars. Taken together, these illustrate the range of contexts within which distance and disconnection can offer meaningful frameworks for action. Positioned at the cutting edge of social theory, this landmark volume will be of great interest to students and academics across the social sciences and humanities.

Matei Candea is Lecturer in Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge

Jo Cook is Lecturer in Anthropology at University College London

Catherine Trundle is Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology at Victoria University of Wellington

Tom Yarrow is Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at Durham University