Unearthing Knowledge
An exploration of the academic career and significant contributions of Peter N. Peregrine, an American anthropologist and archaeologist, focusing on his work in North American archaeology, cross-cultural studies, and scientific inquiry.
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About Peter N. Peregrine
Identity and Profession
Peter Neal Peregrine, born November 29, 1963, is a distinguished American anthropologist and a registered professional archaeologist. He is recognized for his advocacy for the integration of scientific methodologies within the field of anthropology, contributing significantly to its empirical foundations.
Academic Foundations
Peregrine earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from Purdue University in 1990. His academic journey has been marked by significant research and teaching roles at prominent institutions, including Lawrence University and the Human Relations Area Files at Yale University.
Scholarly Focus
His research interests span North American archaeology, particularly the Mississippian culture, and the quantitative analysis of cultural evolution. Peregrine is also known for his extensive work in cross-cultural research, employing scientific approaches to understand societal development.
Academic Career Path
Institutional Affiliations
Peregrine has held significant positions throughout his career:
- Emeritus Professor of Anthropology and Museum Studies at Lawrence University, Wisconsin, USA.
- Research Associate at the Human Relations Area Files (HRAF) at Yale University.
- External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM (2012-2018).
Mentorship and Guidance
His doctoral research was supervised by Richard Blanton, a notable figure in archaeological theory. This mentorship likely influenced Peregrine's own approach to complex societal analysis.
Research Collaborations
Peregrine has collaborated with leading scholars, including Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember, on influential textbooks and encyclopedic works, further solidifying his impact on anthropological education and research.
Contributions to North American Archaeology
The Mississippian Culture
Peregrine has extensively researched the Mississippian culture, which influenced numerous peoples across North America. He posits that these cultures formed a vast, integrated system across eastern North America, functioning as a single political economy.
Continental Perspectives
In collaboration with Steven Lekson, Peregrine proposed viewing the Mississippian and Ancestral Puebloan worlds, along with early Mesoamerica, as interconnected parts of a continent-wide "oikoumene" (a large, integrated cultural system). This perspective aims to explain broad patterns of change, such as the emergence of urban-like communities around 900 CE across North America.
Methodological Innovations
Peregrine has also contributed to archaeological methodology, particularly through the use of geophysical techniques to locate buried archaeological deposits. He initiated the Lawrence University Archaeological Survey, focusing on using these methods to identify unmarked graves in early Wisconsin cemeteries.
Contributions to Cross-Cultural Studies
Developing Archaeological Correlates
Peregrine has focused on establishing archaeological indicators for various human behaviors, including warfare, postmarital residence patterns, and social stratification. This work bridges the gap between material remains and social structures.
Diachronic Research and Resilience
He developed new methodologies for conducting diachronic (across time) cross-cultural research using archaeological data. More recently, he has explored how ancient societies built resilience to climate-related disasters, a topic with significant contemporary relevance.
Dual-Processual Theory
In collaboration with Richard Blanton, Gary M. Feinman, and Stephen Kowalewski, Peregrine co-developed the "dual-processual" theory. This framework posits that political leaders employ strategies ranging from exclusionary (network-based) to inclusive (corporate-based) to implement power. Peregrine applied this theory to both Mississippian and Ancestral Puebloan polities, offering a nuanced understanding of their political structures.
Key Publications and Works
Foundational Textbooks
Peregrine is a co-author of the widely used textbook Anthropology, alongside Carol R. Ember and Melvin Ember. This work has been instrumental in educating students across multiple editions.
Comprehensive References
He also co-edited the extensive Encyclopedia of Prehistory with Melvin Ember and authored the Atlas of Cultural Evolution, providing crucial resources for researchers in cultural evolution and archaeology.
Research Overviews
His book Archaeological research: a brief introduction offers a concise overview of the field, reflecting his commitment to accessible scholarship. His work on the Mississippian culture is synthesized in Mississippian Evolution: A World-Systems Perspective.
Recognition and Honors
Fellowship in AAAS
In recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement of science, Peter N. Peregrine was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2011. This honor signifies his impact and standing within the scientific community.
Scholarly Impact
His academic work is highly cited, with notable metrics such as an average of 17 citations per year from SSCI (Social Sciences Citation Index), underscoring the influence and relevance of his research in anthropology and archaeology.
Current Role and Ministry
Ordination and Chaplaincy
In 2024, Peter N. Peregrine was ordained as a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He currently serves as a healthcare chaplain within the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, extending his dedication to service beyond academia.
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References
References
- see, e.g., Melvin Ember et al. "Cross-cultural research as a Rosetta Stone for finding the original homelands of language groups," Cross-Cultural Research Volume 40, Number 1, pages 18-28, 2006.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional academic or research advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation with qualified anthropologists, archaeologists, or academics. Always refer to primary sources and consult with experts for specific research needs or interpretations.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.