An Archaeology of Innovation
Approaching Social and Technological Change in Human Society
1st Edition
Published on 16. February 2021
256 pages
978-1-5261-3267-3 (ISBN)
Description
An archaeology of innovation is the first monograph-length investigation of innovation and the innovation process from an archaeological perspective. It interrogates the idea of innovation that permeates our popular media and our political and scientific discourse, setting this against the long-term perspective that only archaeology can offer. Case studies span the entire breadth of human history, from our earliest hominin ancestors to the contemporary world. The book argues that the present narrow focus on pushing the adoption of technical innovations ignores the complex interplay of social, technological and environmental systems that underlies truly innovative societies; the inherent connections between new technologies, technologists and social structure that give them meaning and make them valuable; and the significance and value of conservative social practices that lead to the frequent rejection of innovations. -- .
Reviews / Votes
'Whether you are a social archaeologist or not, this book is a must-read for anyone studying innovations and change, but especially anyone interested in human complexity and how we were, and always will be, connected in a flux.'Ana Catarina Basilio, European Journal of Archaeology
'This is a book that deserves to be widely read, and the ideas inside discussed and debated not only in archaeology but across fields [...] It is an invaluable contribution.'
James L. Flexner, Archaeology in Oceania
'Frieman has produced an extremely valuable piece of work for which praise is due [...] The discussion firmly situates innovation as something worth considering in its own right, and not simply as the means to the end of technological change. Instead, innovation is conceptualised as a social process within which material, human, structural and historical actors dynamically and uniquely interact in myriad ways.'
Adam Sutton, Archaeologische Informationen -- .
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More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
26 black & white illustrations
ISBN-13
978-1-5261-3267-3 (9781526132673)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Catherine J. Frieman
An Archaeology of Innovation
Approaching Social and Technological Change in Human Society
Book
04/2023
Manchester University Press
€32.60
Shipment within 15-20 days
Catherine J. Frieman
An Archaeology of Innovation
Approaching Social and Technological Change in Human Society
Book
03/2021
Manchester University Press
€126.10
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Catherine J. Frieman is Associate Professor of European Archaeology at the School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University -- .
Content
Introduction: loomings
1 Innovation as discourse
2 Messy narratives/flexible methodologies
3 Invention as process
4 Power, influence and adoption
5 Pass it on
6 Tradition, continuity and resistance
7 Create/innovate
Conclusion: the widening gyre
Index -- .
1 Innovation as discourse
2 Messy narratives/flexible methodologies
3 Invention as process
4 Power, influence and adoption
5 Pass it on
6 Tradition, continuity and resistance
7 Create/innovate
Conclusion: the widening gyre
Index -- .
