Divergent visions: localist and cosmopolitan identities in highland Sardinia

This article examines the distinctions between two polysemic social categories localists and cosmopolitans in the highland village of Orgosolo in Sardinia, Italy. The analysis proceeds from an assumption of the inherent internal contradictoriness and diversity of cultural systems, and focuses on how seemingly incommensurable norms and values are articulated, embodied, and symbolized in day-to-day practice. Following a presentation of the historical dimensions and numerous elements inherent in the distinction between the categories of localist and cosmopolitan, I argue that a partial rapprochement is achieved through a widely shared sense of village identity that centres upon an image of Orgosolo as inimitable and unique. Adapted from the source document.