Divergent visions: localist and cosmopolitan identities in highland Sardinia

Author: Sorge, Antonio

Source: The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, Volume 14, Number 4, December 2008 , pp. 808-824(17)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

This article examines the distinctions between two polysemic social categories - localists and cosmopolitans - in the highland village of Orgosolo in Sardinia, Italy. The analysis proceeds from an assumption of the inherent internal contradictoriness and diversity of cultural systems, and focuses on how seemingly incommensurable norms and values are articulated, embodied, and symbolized in day-to-day practice. Following a presentation of the historical dimensions and numerous elements inherent in the distinction between the categories of localist and cosmopolitan, I argue that a partial rapprochement is achieved through a widely shared sense of village identity that centres upon an image of Orgosolo as inimitable and unique. Résumé

L'auteur examine les distinctions entre deux catégories sociales polysémiques (localistes et cosmopolites) dans le village montagnard d'Orgosolo, en Sardaigne (Italie). Son analyse part de l'hypothèse que les systèmes culturels sont intrinsèquement contradictoires et divers, et se concentre sur la manière dont des normes apparemment incommensurables sont articulées, incarnées et symbolisées dans la pratique quotidienne. Après une présentation des dimensions historiques et de nombreux éléments inhérents à la distinction entre les catégories localiste et cosmopolite, l'auteur affirme qu'un rapprochement partiel est rendu possible par un sens largement partagé de l'identité du village, centré sur une image d'Orgosolo comme un lieu inimitable et unique.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9655.2008.00532.x

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