What is anthropology?

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Title:

What is anthropology?

Author:

Eriksen, Thomas Hylland, author.

ISBN:

9780745399652

9780745399669

Personal Author:

Eriksen, Thomas Hylland, author.

Edition:

Second edition.

Physical Description:

177 pages ; 22 cm

Series:

Anthropology, culture, and society

Anthropology, culture, and society.

General Note:

Source of cataloging data: WCP

Abstract:

"Lucid and accessible, What is Anthropology? draws examples from current affairs as well as previous anthropological studies. Eriksen looks at the history of anthropology, its unique research methods and some of its central concepts, such as society, culture and translation. This second edition contains a new introduction, as well as updates throughout. New content includes discussions about Brexit, the rise of the populist Right in Europe, the anthropology of climate change and social media. What is Anthropology? shows in persuasive ways why anthropology is a fundamental intellectual discipline, perhaps more so in the twenty-first century than ever before." -- back cover.

Contents:

Part 1. Entrances. -- Why anthropology? -- Key concepts -- Ethnography -- Theories ; -- Part 2. Fields. -- Reciprocity -- Kinship -- Nature -- Thought -- Social Identity.

Subject Term:

Anthropology.

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
Searching... Sugar Grove - Todd Library	Book	GN29 .E75 2017	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

Leading anthropologist Thomas Hylland Eriksen shows how anthropology is a revolutionary way of thinking about the human world. Perfect for students, but also for those who have never encountered anthropology before, this book explores the key issues in an exciting and innovative way.

Lucid and accessible, What is Anthropology? draws examples from current affairs as well as previous anthropological studies. He looks at the history of anthropology, its unique research methods and some of its central concepts, such as society, culture and translation.

This second edition contains a new introduction, as well as updates throughout. New content includes discussions about Brexit, the rise of the populist Right in Europe, the anthropology of climate change and social media. What is Anthropology? shows in persuasive ways why anthropology is a fundamental intellectual discipline, perhaps more so in the 21st century than ever before.

Reviews (1)

Choice Review

Newly revised and updated, the second edition (1st ed., 2004) of this gem of a brief introduction to sociocultural anthropology and its contributions selectively and concisely covers key historical figures (e.g., Boas and Malinowski), concepts (e.g., culture, society, holism), theories (e.g., structural-functionalism, culture and personality, materialism), and the production of ethnography (which relies strongly on participant-observation). This guide also argues that contemporary anthropology tends to combine multiple concepts and approaches to create complex statements, as illustrated in chapters on reciprocity, kinship, nature, thought, and social identity. There are further reading selections, but the book is not illustrated, nor does it draw much on feminist anthropology/ists. For students at all levels, professionals, and courses that would benefit from a clear, authoritative overview of anthropology from a European perspective. Summing Up: Recommended. All public and academic levels/libraries. --Gretchen M. Herrmann, SUNY College at Cortland