Faut-il jeter la Méditerranée avec l'eau du bain?

Abstract

The authors of this contribution first examine and relativise the main criticisms that have been levelled against the anthropology of the Mediterranean world. They then go on to question the pertinence of this geographical framework for study and comparison. Mditeranean societies certainly present a certain number of ‘family resemblances’, resulting from their complex history. But the coherence of any project of Mediteranean comparison can become systematic only when based on complementary differences rather than such identified resemblances. The Mediterranean world can be envisaged as a space of dialogue and confrontations where identities are defined in a play of mirrors.