The first part of Before European Hegemony discusses how world systems were formed. It is mentioned that although Europe is stressed as being very advanced in the Middle Ages, it was less advanced than most people think. Abu-Lughod discusses how French Champagne fairs were eventually phased out because of their inaccessibility. The impact of both the textile industry and infectious diseases on social structure and trade is considered. The function of the state then and now are compared and how technological advances play a big role is brought into play. Abu-Lughod uses these examples to show how much events in one area would affect another.
I found this to be a very interesting read. Working your way through the same school system from 4th grade through high school graduation and being required to take a history class every year, you hear the same things over and over again. It was refreshing to read a history lesson with a different spin. While using Europe as a constant reference point, she also uses a variety of examples using other countries and societies as well.
Now that I have read one author with a different view point from what I have been taught from a young age, I’m interested to read more. I will be interested to see if other authors who choose to write from a different view point about historical events will agree with Abu-Lughod. Has anyone read another history book that agrees with Abu-Lughod??
In my Africana Studies class we discussed how the Western viewpoint dominates out education system and the problems that coincide with this. We obviously we taught with a more afro-centric viewpoint and often learned things that contradicted with the Western viewpoint (such as the fact that historically Africa played an important role in trade). I thought it was very beneficial to learn outside the dominant Western view.
ReplyDeleteThere are many books on history that try to avoid the trap of Eurocentrism. Or, for a less serious take, try Years of Rice and Salt
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