From the ideal of the State to practice: Technical knowledge and politics in the management of trees in Buenos Aires
Based on an ethnographic analysis of the discourses and practices of tree pruners and inspectors involved in the management of urban woodland in Buenos Aires city, this paper offers a reflection on the tensions between the technical and political aspects within the state management. I shall demonstr...
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
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Escuela de Antropología - FHyA
2023
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistadeantropologia.unr.edu.ar/index.php/revistadeantropologia/article/view/255 |
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| Sumario: | Based on an ethnographic analysis of the discourses and practices of tree pruners and inspectors involved in the management of urban woodland in Buenos Aires city, this paper offers a reflection on the tensions between the technical and political aspects within the state management. I shall demonstrate that this is a long–standing issue in modern thought, which has gained particular relevance with the increasing transformations in our environment. The article approaches an ethnographic study conducted while accompanying tree maintenance tasks in a district of the City of Buenos Aires. It is observed that the actors permanently establish a division between the technical and political aspects, classifying different individuals and practices accordingly. While the technical dimension is associated with fixed and indisputable rules based on an objective understanding of nature, the political dimension is related to opinions, values and the pursue of personal benefits. Towards the end of the article, it is shown that, in practice, beyond the ideal, tree pruners and inspectors must adapt abstract norms to the context, combining technical, political, and practical aspects. |
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