Daniel Miller (anthropologist)

Daniel Miller (born 1951) is a highly influential British anthropologist known for his work on material culture, consumption, and globalization. He is Professor of Anthropology at University College London (UCL).

Early Life and Education

Miller's early life and educational background are not extensively documented in readily available public sources. Further research is needed to fully detail this aspect of his biography.

Career and Research

Miller's research has significantly impacted the field of anthropology, challenging traditional approaches that often overlooked the importance of material objects in shaping social life. He is a leading figure in the study of material culture, exploring how objects are not simply passive things but actively involved in constructing social relationships, identities, and meanings.

His work often combines ethnographic fieldwork with theoretical insights, demonstrating the complex interplay between objects, practices, and social structures. He's known for his rigorous and detailed ethnographic studies, often focusing on specific communities and their interactions with material possessions. His research has spanned various geographical locations, examining diverse cultural contexts and their relationship with material culture.

A significant contribution includes his work on globalization and consumption, where he challenges simplistic narratives of homogenization and instead emphasizes the localized and creative ways people engage with globalized markets and commodities.

Key Publications

Miller has authored and edited numerous influential books and articles. Notable works include, but are not limited to:

A Theory of Shopping
Material Culture and Mass Consumption
The Comfort of Things
Stuff

A comprehensive bibliography is readily available through academic databases such as JSTOR and Google Scholar.

Influence and Legacy

Miller's work has profoundly influenced the fields of anthropology, sociology, and consumer studies. His focus on material culture has broadened the scope of anthropological inquiry, highlighting the vital role of objects in understanding human societies. His work continues to inspire new research and perspectives in the study of consumption, globalization, and the relationship between people and things.

Further Research