The Politics Of Suffering: Indigenous Australia and The End of the Liberal Consensus

(Paperback)

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Peter Sutton is a fearless and authoritative voice in Aboriginal politics. In this groundbreaking book, he asks why, after three decades of liberal thinking, has the suffering and grief in so many Aboriginal communities become worse The picture Sutton presents is tragic. He marshals shocking evidence against the failures of the past, and argues provocatively that three decades of liberal consensus on Aboriginal issues has collapsed. Sutton is a leading Australian anthropologist who has lived and worked closely with Aboriginal communities. He combines clear-eyed, original observation with deep emotional engagement. The Politics of Suffering cuts through the cant and offers fresh insight and hope for a new era in Indigenous politics.

Reviews

Incandescent, emotional, tragic and challenging." Marcia Langton, Foundation Chair in Australian Indigenous Studies, University of Melbourne

"In the often-tortuous terrain of indigenous politics, Peter Sutton is a myth-buster. Through personal observation, forensic rigor and an anthropologist's eye, he questions the foundations on which 40 years of public policy, often imposed with bipartisan goodwill, has been constructed." Russell Skelton, contributor, Age

"I expect that this book will become the yardstick by which most recent critiques of indigenous affairs policy and what comes out on the subject over the next decade will be judged." Christopher Pearson, contributor, Weekend Australian

Author Bio

Peter Sutton has authored or edited twelve books, including Native Title in Australia: an Ethnographic Perspective, regarded as the most authoritative work in its field.