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Public Dialectics: Marxist Reflection in Archaeology

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Abstract

The public dimensions of archaeological practice are explored through a new method called Marxist reflexivity. This use for Marxism draws a parallel with recent reflexive archaeologies that highlight the impact of archaeologists and archaeological processes on the creation of archaeological records. Though similar in this sense of critique, reflexive and Marxist archaeologies do not often overlap, as each is essentially driven by a distinct agenda and logic. Through a critical review of four public programs undertaken in historical archaeology, this distinction is disassembled.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA

    Christopher N. Matthews

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Matthews, C.N. Public Dialectics: Marxist Reflection in Archaeology. Hist Arch 39, 26–44 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03376702

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