anthropology of the actual

is a study of the near future and recent past which focuses on prolematization, apparatus, and assemblage, each with a different temporal scale.

Also refered to as an anthropology of the 'near future and recent past'. Focuses on three objects of inquiry: 1. problematization 2. apparatus 3. assemblage. Each involves a different temporal scale. A problematization (i.e. life, pleasure, freedom, governmentality) is a long term event that lasts centuries. An apparatus is a response to a problematization. It is still long-long lasting ('discipline' 'confession' 'insurance'), stable, but also mobile. Assemblages are of an intermediate scale to either problematizations or apparatuses. They last for mere decades. 'A central task of the anthropology of the actual is to identify conjunctures between and among these diverse objects, and between and among their temporalities and functionalities.' (Rabinow 2009:56)

is tasked to identify conjunctures between and among these diverse objects, and between and among their temporalities and functionalities.

anthropology of the actual, n.Definitions

anthropology of the actual