The second edition of Contemporary Archaeology in Theory: The
New Pragmatism, has been thoroughly updated and revised, and
features top scholars who redefine the theoretical and political
agendas of the field, and challenge the usual distinctions between
time, space, processes, and people.



Defines the relevance of archaeology and the social sciences
more generally to the modern world

Challenges the traditional boundaries between prehistoric and
historical archaeologies

Discusses how archaeology articulates such contemporary topics
and issues as landscape and natures; agency, meaning and practice;
sexuality, embodiment and personhood; race, class, and ethnicity;
materiality, memory, and historical silence; colonialism,
nationalism, and empire; heritage, patrimony, and social justice;
media, museums, and publics

Examines the influence of American pragmatism on
archaeology

Offers 32 new chapters by leading archaeologists and cultural
anthropologists