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Unveiling a Material Agent: An Anthropological study on how backpacks shape backpackers’ journeys and identities

Ramkali, Izaak LU (2023) SANK03 20231
Social Anthropology
Abstract
This paper aims to contribute to wider discussions within the discipline of anthropology regarding the social and material significance of backpackers’ backpacks. Mainly, this paper examines how backpacks help construct backpacking identity and shape backpackers’ journeys and experiences. To gain insight into these inquiries this paper adopts a qualitative research approach, specifically eight semi-structured interviews with people that defined themselves as backpackers. The gathered empirical data is analysed by applying and building upon the theoretical frameworks of Latour’s Actor-network theory and Daniel Miller’s concept of how material objects help construct identity. The main findings demonstrate that backpackers’ performative... (More)
This paper aims to contribute to wider discussions within the discipline of anthropology regarding the social and material significance of backpackers’ backpacks. Mainly, this paper examines how backpacks help construct backpacking identity and shape backpackers’ journeys and experiences. To gain insight into these inquiries this paper adopts a qualitative research approach, specifically eight semi-structured interviews with people that defined themselves as backpackers. The gathered empirical data is analysed by applying and building upon the theoretical frameworks of Latour’s Actor-network theory and Daniel Miller’s concept of how material objects help construct identity. The main findings demonstrate that backpackers’ performative practice of interacting with their backpacks helps produce and create a symbolic boundary for backpacking identity. Moreover, this paper’s findings also illustrate how the agentic properties of backpacks help shape backpackers’ travel experiences by determining how they can travel, initiate and influence social interactions and develop a sense of stability and comfort. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Ramkali, Izaak LU
supervisor
organization
course
SANK03 20231
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Anthropology, Backpacking, Backpacks, Identity Formation, Material Agency
language
English
id
9135058
date added to LUP
2023-08-24 15:39:59
date last changed
2023-08-24 15:39:59
@misc{9135058,
  abstract     = {{This paper aims to contribute to wider discussions within the discipline of anthropology regarding the social and material significance of backpackers’ backpacks. Mainly, this paper examines how backpacks help construct backpacking identity and shape backpackers’ journeys and experiences. To gain insight into these inquiries this paper adopts a qualitative research approach, specifically eight semi-structured interviews with people that defined themselves as backpackers. The gathered empirical data is analysed by applying and building upon the theoretical frameworks of Latour’s Actor-network theory and Daniel Miller’s concept of how material objects help construct identity. The main findings demonstrate that backpackers’ performative practice of interacting with their backpacks helps produce and create a symbolic boundary for backpacking identity. Moreover, this paper’s findings also illustrate how the agentic properties of backpacks help shape backpackers’ travel experiences by determining how they can travel, initiate and influence social interactions and develop a sense of stability and comfort.}},
  author       = {{Ramkali, Izaak}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Unveiling a Material Agent: An Anthropological study on how backpacks shape backpackers’ journeys and identities}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}