Thomas Hylland Eriksen

- The Anthropologist Who Taught the World to Think Globally

Thomas Hylland Eriksen is a Norwegian anthropologist and professor of social anthropology at the University of Oslo. He is known for his work on globalization, culture, and identity.

Eriksen was born in Oslo, Norway, in 1962. He studied social anthropology at the University of Oslo and the University of Cambridge. After completing his PhD, he taught at the University of Manchester and the University of Oxford. In 2004, he returned to the University of Oslo as a professor of social anthropology.

Eriksen's work has been influential in the field of anthropology. He is known for his research on globalization and its impact on culture and identity. He has also written extensively on the anthropology of Europe and the Middle East.

Eriksen's Key Ideas

Eriksen's work is characterized by several key ideas:

* Globalization is a complex and uneven process. Eriksen argues that globalization is not simply a process of Westernization. It is also a process of hybridization, in which local cultures and global forces interact and create new forms of culture.
* Culture is not static. Eriksen emphasizes that culture is constantly changing and adapting to new circumstances. Globalization is one of the forces that is driving cultural change.
* Identity is fluid and multiple. Eriksen argues that people do not have a single, fixed identity. Instead, their identities are shaped by their experiences and interactions with others.

Eriksen's Impact

Eriksen's work has had a profound impact on the field of anthropology. He has helped to shape our understanding of globalization, culture, and identity. His work has also been influential in other fields, such as sociology, political science, and international relations.

Eriksen is a leading voice in the field of anthropology. His work has helped us to understand the complex and changing world in which we live.