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Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection

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An Exploration of the Complexities of Global Interdependence

Friction, an innovative and thought-provoking ethnography by Anna Tsing, delves into the intricate tapestry of human connections in the globalized world. Through detailed fieldwork and profound analysis, the book exposes the underlying frictions and complexities that shape our interconnected experiences.

Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection

by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2241 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	340 pages

Friction: A Force of Interconnection

Tsing defines friction as "the awkward, unequal, and often painful process of connecting across difference." She argues that far from being a hindrance, friction is an inherent and necessary aspect of global connection. It arises from the encounters between diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.

Case Studies from Around the World

The book explores friction through a series of case studies from around the world. Tsing examines the interactions between loggers and forest spirits in Indonesia, the labor practices in a Chinese factory, and the experiences of migrants in the United States.

Indonesian Loggers: Nature and the Supernatural

In Indonesia, Tsing follows loggers who navigate the dangerous and enchanted forests. They encounter spirits that can both guide and hinder their work. This case study illustrates how friction arises from the clash between human activities and the non-human world.

Chinese Factory Workers: Labor and Exploitation

Tsing's research in a Chinese factory reveals the stark realities of globalized production. Workers face harsh conditions, exploitation, and the erosion of their traditional way of life. This case study exposes the human cost of economic interconnectedness.

Migrants in the United States: Displacement and Identity

Through the experiences of migrants in the United States, Tsing explores the friction caused by displacement and the search for a new home. Migrants grapple with cultural differences, social isolation, and the challenges of integrating into a foreign society.

Implications for Global Policy and Practice

Friction has profound implications for how we understand and address global interdependence. Tsing argues that we need to embrace the complexities of friction rather than seeking to avoid it. By recognizing and navigating friction, we can create more just and equitable global connections.

Anna Tsing's Friction is a groundbreaking work that challenges conventional wisdom about globalization. It invites us to re-examine the nature of human interconnectedness, appreciate its complexities, and seek ways to build more sustainable and humane global connections.

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People from diverse backgrounds interacting, symbolizing the complexities and frictions of global connection.

Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection

by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing

4.4 out of 5