Social Identity in Early Medieval Britain (Studies in the Early History of Britain)

social Identity Is A Concept Od Increasing Importance In The Social Sciences. Here, The Concept Is Applied To The Often Atheoretical Realm Of Medieval Studies. Each Contributor Focuses On A Particular Topic Of Early Medieval Identity - Ethnicity, National Identity, Social Location, Subjectivity/personhood, Political Organization, Kiship, The Body, Gender, Age, Proximity/regionality, Memory And Ideological Systems. The Result Is A Pioneering Vision Of Medieval Social Identity And A Challenge To Some Of The Received General Wisdoms About This Period. "This book theorizes early medieval studies in order to better understand early medieval social life and its relation to modern nationalism and ethnicity." "Drawing upon socio-cultural anthropology, social theory and sociology, the contributors address issues and debates within history, archaeology and physical anthropology. The book also participates in wider discussions about social identity, critiquing and revising problematic depictions of 'pre-industrial' social life against which modern scholars so often contrast contemporary Western culture. Such arguments have implications for all historical and archaeological studies. Social Identity in Early Medieval Britain will be welcomed as a valuable addition to medieval studies."--Jacket Social identity is a concept of increasing importance in the social sciences. Here, the concept is applied to the often atheoretical realm of medieval studies. Each contributor focuses on a particular topic of early medieval identity -- ethnicity, national identity, social location, subjectivity/personhood, political organization, kinship, the body, gender, age, proximity/regionality, memory, and ideological systems. The result is a pioneering vision of medieval social identity and a challenge to some of the received general wisdoms about this period.