David Graeber

David Graeber

David Rolfe Graeber (February 12, 1961 – September 2, 2020) was an American anthropologist, anarchist activist, and author. He was a professor of anthropology at the London School of Economics. Graeber was known for his writings on politics, economics, and society, and he was a leading figure in the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Early Life and Education

David Graeber was born in New York City, the son of Kenneth Graeber, a plate stripper who participated in the Spanish Civil War and Ruth Rubinstein, a garment worker and member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. Graeber grew up in a politically active household, which influenced his later work and activism.

He attended State University of New York at Purchase and later received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Chicago in 1998. His doctoral dissertation was titled "The Disastrous Ordeal of 1987: Memory and Violence in Rural Madagascar."

Academic Career

Graeber taught at Yale University from 1998 to 2007, where he was denied tenure, a decision that sparked controversy and debate over academic freedom and political bias. He later joined the faculty of the Goldsmiths, University of London and subsequently the London School of Economics.

Major Works

Graeber's work spans a wide range of topics, including economics, politics, and anthropology. Some of his most notable books include:

• Debt: The First 5,000 Years (2011) - This book explores the history of debt and its impact on human societies. Graeber argues that debt has been a fundamental part of social and economic systems throughout history.

• The Utopia of Rules: On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy (2015) - In this book, Graeber examines the role of bureaucracy in modern life and its effects on creativity and freedom.

• Bullshit Jobs: A Theory (2018) - Graeber explores the phenomenon of meaningless jobs and the societal structures that perpetuate them.

Activism

Graeber was actively involved in various social movements, most notably the Occupy Wall Street movement, where he is credited with coining the phrase "We are the 99%." His activism was deeply intertwined with his academic work, as he sought to challenge and critique existing power structures.

Death

David Graeber passed away on September 2, 2020, in Venice, Italy, at the age of 59. His death was attributed to internal bleeding.

Legacy

Graeber's work continues to influence scholars, activists, and thinkers around the world. His critiques of capitalism, bureaucracy, and social inequality remain relevant in contemporary discussions on these topics.

See Also

• Anarchism
• Anthropology
• Occupy Wall Street

References

• Graeber, David. Debt: The First 5,000 Years. Melville House, 2011.
• Graeber, David. The Utopia of Rules: On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy. Melville House, 2015.
• Graeber, David. Bullshit Jobs: A Theory. Simon & Schuster, 2018.

External Links

• LSE Profile
• Articles by David Graeber in The Guardian