Full Description
This original introduction to cultural anthropology is a textbook like no other. Structured as a narrative rather than a compendium of facts about cultures and concepts, it invites students to think of anthropology as a series of stories that emerge from cultural encounters in particular times and places. These moments of encounter are illustrated with reference to both classic and contemporary ethnographic examples-from Coming of Age in Samoa to Coming of Age in Second Life-allowing readers to grasp anthropology's sometimes problematic past, while still capturing the excitement and potential of the discipline.
Contents
List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Preface IntroductionFirst Contact The New World A Mission from God Captain Cook in the Islands of Paradise Simon Fraser's Quest PART I: Theory, Methods, and Concepts 1. Culture Shock Introduction What Do Anthropologists Do? Experiencing the Field Collecting, Organizing, and Analyzing: Research Methods for Understanding the Social World Ethical Considerations in Anthropological Research Unity and Diversity Conclusion 2. Life in the Field Introduction Setting the Stage Contemporary Anthropology Applied Anthropology Conclusion PART II: Classic Questions in Anthropology 3. Historical Beginnings Introduction Charles Darwin: An Anthropologist? The Myth of "The Savage" Lewis Henry Morgan Conclusion 4. Kinship Introduction What Is "The Family"? The Power of Myth The Nature of Kinship Systems Defining Kin: Legal Implications Conclusion 5. Symbol, Myth, and Meaning Introduction Reconsidering the Culture Concept Comprehending Others Techniques of the Body Culture Goes Public Meaning in Context The Dying and Reborn God Conclusion PART III: Contemporary Anthropological Issues 6. The Politics of Culture Introduction The Concept of Ownership Traditional Practices, Contemporary Times Culture, Law, and the Role of the Anthropologist Conclusion 7. Understanding Gender Introduction We "Do" Gender Gender and Social Organization: The Family and the Economy Rejecting the Gender/Sex Dichotomy: Third Genders and Cross-Cultural Analysis Theory Steering Perception Conclusion 8. Race, Science, and Human Diversity Introduction Understanding Diversity The Rise of Genetics Red, White, and Black African Racism Genetic Identities Conclusion 9. Anthropology, Cultural Change, and Globalization Introduction The Language We Use: Important Terms and Concepts Understanding Processes of Change: An Anthropological Perspective The Globalization of Anthropology: Multi-Site Ethnographies and Virtual Worlds Conclusion Conclusion Glossary References Sources Index
