The hybrid economy and anthropological engagements with policy discourse: a brief reflection

This article advocates a crucial role for economic anthropology in the twenty-first century. The use of anthropological techniques for primary data collection is essential for understanding the complexity of diverse local economies. This is demonstrated with reference to a remote Aboriginal economy in Arnhem Land, Northern Australia, using a 'hybrid economy' model that includes the customary sector as well as market and state sectors. This empirically grounded model is contrasted with a very different theoretical construct: the 'real' economy that is dominating Indigenous affairs policy discourse. Although the hybrid economy model is currently subordinated, mainly for ideological reasons, examples are provided to demonstrate its policy and legal influences.