Cultural Anthropology (with Themes of the Times for Cultural Anthropology) (7th Edition) - Softcover

Harris, Marvin; Johnson, Orna

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9780205467792: Cultural Anthropology (with Themes of the Times for Cultural Anthropology) (7th Edition)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0205467792 ISBN 13: 9780205467792

Publisher: Pearson, 2006

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Using a cultural materialist approach, the seventh edition of Cultural Anthropology provides a framework for explaining how the parts of sociocultural systems are interrelated and how they change over time.

“Marvin Harris' lifelong commitment to a scientific anthropology shines through in this comprehensive and well-written textbook,” praises one reviewer.

Described as accessible, engaging, well-illustrated, and comprehensive, this text covers a wide range of Western and non-Western cultures for analysis and comparison. “Marvin Harris can continue to bring new insights to the field of anthropology and provide ways to inspire students new to this discipline,” writes a long-time user.

“Cultural Anthropology excels in making anthropology accessible and relevant to today's students. The authors succeed in showing not only what the current status of anthropology is but also the potential of anthropology to explain human culture in all of its diversity and magnificence,” writes another.

For the seventh edition, rReadings from Spradley/McCurdy, Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology, 12/e have been integrated with wherever possible through emic and etic interpretations within the levels of infrastructure, structure and superstructure. Chapter 9, “Descent, Locality, and Kinship,” has been rewritten to provide more streamlined coverage. Increased use of the universal pattern model through graphics and new content throughout each chapter. The universal pattern model is introduced in Chapter 2 and applied throughout the text to reinforce how differences in civilization impact infrastructure and adaptive patterns.

Enhanced problem-orientation in the new edition capitalizes on this growing trend through interim questions after each section in each chapter.

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From the Back Cover:

Written by one of the most famous modern anthropologists, the fifth edition of Cultural Anthropology continues to focus on the book's two major objectives. First, it presents a holistic view of sociocultural systems, and secondly, the book provides a unified theoretical framework for explaining these systems. It also remains faithful to the belief that anthropologists must routinely deal with facts and theories that are crucial to informed decisions regarding issues of enduring relevance. The cultural approach used throughout furnishes a framework for explaining how the parts of sociocultural systems are interrelated and how they change over time.

The book also continues in its effort to identify the many causal strands that help explain the process of sociocultural change. It tries to make sense of the many seemingly irrational or arbitrary customs and institutions in small, technologically simple societies as well as complex nations.

For anyone interested in the study of culture.

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