Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a strong case for an "anthropological Marxism." It focuses on changing relations among various modes of production—quasi-communal, Asiatic and capitalist--in 19th and 20th century Utah. The book addresses the experiences of women employed by the new wave of small "cooperative" factories in Queretaro, Mexico. Marxist anthropology has an important role to play in ensuring that analyses are: connected directly to the broader global situation, acknowledging forces of capitalism and imperialism; built upon a progressive vision of future social formations, and grow out of an accurate understanding of the particular peoples involved. People who seek to "reform" or "save" the discipline usually advocate the neutralization of anthropology's liberal thrust, and particularly the eradication of the leftist presence within the field. One of the manifestations of crisis in anthropology has been the struggle over the proper object of anthropological study.