Anthropological theory and government policy in australia's northern territory: The hegemony of the "mainstream"

Frances Morphy*, Howard Morphy

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    39 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this article, we set up a dialogue between two theoretical frameworks for understanding the developing relationships between indigenous Australians and the encapsulating Australian society. We argue that the concept of "the intercultural" de-emphasizes the agency of Aboriginal people and the durability of their social relations and value orientations. We develop the concept of relative autonomy in apposition. Our primary focus is on the Yolngu people of eastern Arnhem Land and on the impact that recent Australian government policy-in particular the Northern Territory "Intervention"-has had on the relatively autonomous trajectory of their society. The view from relative autonomy enables an understanding of the history of Yolngu interaction with outsiders and Yolngu responses to government policy. We argue that unless relative autonomy is understood and taken into account, governments will fail to develop policies that engage Yolngu in the process of regional development.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)174-187
    Number of pages14
    JournalAmerican Anthropologist
    Volume115
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2013

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