The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation

The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation undertakes a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the moral and aesthetic questions that arise from the practice of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is a pervasive feature of today's world. Whether it occurs within a country or across nations, it arises in every facet of a multicultural society. It can take many forms—from incorporating African-American musical styles to assimilating religious practices of indigenous peoples. And because it is usually seen as being inextricably bound with the oppression of minority cultures, the topic itself is often controversial and inspires passionate debates. But is cultural appropriation always morally objectionable? And are there instances where it might also be benign—or even beneficial? The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation undertakes a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the moral and aesthetic questions that arise from the practice of cultural appropriation. With sensitivity and rigorous empirical research, this groundbreaking work brings together a team of leading philosophers and experts in the social sciences to examine the ethics of cultural appropriation in its various guises: the arts and archaeology, museums, genetics, ecological knowledge, religion, and more. The Ethics of Cultural Appropriation undertakes a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the moral and aesthetic questions that arise from the practice of cultural appropriation. Explores cultural appropriation in a wide variety of contexts, among them the arts and archaeology, museums, and religion Questions whether cultural appropriation is always morally objectionable Includes research that is equally informed by empirical knowledge and general normative theory Provides a coherent and authoritative perspective gained by the collaboration of philosophers and specialists in the field who all participated in this unique research project