Abstract

FABIETTI, Ugo. Los límites en antropología: prácticas y representaciones.Translated byHugo Armando Brito Rivera,  Angela Giglia. Alteridades [online]. 2005, vol.15, n.30, pp.11-17. ISSN 2448-850X.

This article analyzes the diverse usages of the term limit within the anthropological field. Its metaphorical usage has been related to the word border and often it evokes certain characteristics of such discipline. In regards to its referential usage, anthropology employs this term in order to make distinctions among social, cultural and ethnic groups. This article examines the way in which this term has been changing within anthropological studies since identitarian limits among groups were believed to be static. However, since Fredrik Barth’s contribution, limits among different groups are believed to be dynamic, changing as well as transitory. Within the current global context, it becomes rather complicated to talk about limits in a traditional way. The latter may be a factor of disorientation to individuals when defining their identity and becoming members of their group and at the same time it may revindicate and enhance unknown ethnic identities.

Keywords : limit; border; ethnic identity; globalization; ethnic group.