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This study of religious change and cultural fragmentation in contemporary Sri Lanka focuses on a series of new Catholic shrines that attract hundreds of pilgrims. Their fame is based, among other things, on their efficacy as centers for demonic exorcism, alleviating suffering and helping people to find jobs. The author looks at the rise of these shrines in relation to the historical experience of the Catholic community in Sri Lanka, rather than in terms of narrowly defined religious criteria. Central to this broader nonreligious context is the role of power and especially the impact of post colonialism on the small Roman Catholic population. ... Read more

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Focused on the appreciation of anthropology, the new edition of Cultural Anthropology: Appreciating Cultural Diversity offers an up-to-date holistic introduction to cultural anthropology. Key themes of appreciating the experiences students bring to the classroom, appreciating cultural diversity, and appreciating the field of anthropology are showcased throughout the text.In this edition, Understanding Ourselves chapter openers and Through the Eyes of Others boxes show how anthropology helps us understand ourselves. New Appreciating Diversity boxes focus on the various forms of human biological and cultural diversity.Appreciating Anthropology boxes are also new to the text and focus on the value and usefulness of anthropological research and approaches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Cultural Anthropology; Appreciating Cultural Diversity
This ia a college anthropology textbook. I am using this book in class now. This book is all that it is supposed to be. Eddie C. ... Read more

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For more than a century, anthropologists have studied the economic lives and institutions of people around the world. The results of their research and reflection on economy have generally stayed within the discipline and have not been available in an accessible form to a broader readership. This major reference book is intended to correct this.This unique Handbook contains substantial and invaluable summary discussions of work on economic processes and issues, and on the relationship between economic and non-economic areas of life. Furthermore it describes conceptual orientations that are important among economic anthropologists, and presents summaries of key issues in the anthropological study of economic life in different regions of the world. Its scope and accessibility make it useful both to those who are interested in a particular topic and to those who want to see the breadth and fruitfulness of an anthropological study of economics.Economists from a wide range of fields and perspectives - from heterodox to classical, and from industrial economics to economic psychology and sociology - will find much to engage them within this exciting Handbook, as will anthropologists drawn to the significant statements by senior figures in the field. Those involved in development projects will find this an invaluable reference work with which to gain greater understanding of and insight into the reasons for people’s economic activities and decisions. The concise treatments of topics will provide invaluable teaching aids and reference for further reading by scholars at all levels of study. ... Read more

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Explore the most fascinating, creative, dangerous, and complex species alive today: you and your neighbors in the global village. With compelling photos, engaging examples, and select studies by anthropologists in far-flung places, the authors of CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY: The Human Challenge provide a holistic view of anthropology to help you make sense of today's world. With this text you will discover the different ways humans face the challenge of existence, the connection between biology and culture in the shaping of human beliefs and behavior, and the impact of globalization on peoples and cultures around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Textbook
The book was in excellent condition but was just a different edition from what I thought I was ordering.The shipping was very fast!

Cultural Anthro - second generation
My son will begin this class in two weeks...the second generation in our family in the past 18 months to take the same class from the same instructor.The book is user-friendly, informative, and interesting.Has the ability to ignite socialogical interest in our world today!

Fast shipping and good service
I ordered this book for a Summer class that only lasted 5 weeks and the class had already started when I ordered, so I didn't have time to wait around for slow shipping. I ordered on a Wednesday and the book arrived on Friday. I couldn't be happier with the quick and reliable service I received. Ordering was fast and painless, I would absolutely order from them again. Thanks!!!!

good text book
I bought this book for a class.I thought the book would be terribly dry as most text books are, but this one supprised me.I actually tried to read the entire book (instead of skimming like I usually do with a text book) because everything in it was very interesting.I also like the way it is set up with the stories in inserted boxes, and the key words highlighted and defined in the paragraph and also at the bottom of the page.

Very good text!
Had this text for a cultural anth class and I really enjoyed reading it.I recommend it to other anth instructors! ... Read more

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In part due to the recent Yanomami controversy, which has rocked anthropology to its very core, there is renewed interest in the discipline's history and intellectual roots, especially amongst anthropologists themselves. The cutting edge of anthropological research today is a product of earlier questions and answers, previous ambitions, preoccupations and adventures, stretching back one hundred years or more. This book is the first comprehensive history of American anthropology.

Anthropology as a discipline has always developed in a close relationship with other social sciences, but this relationship has rarely been scrutinized. How has anthropology been linked to colonial, commercial and territorial expansion in the States? How have the changing forms of race, power, ethnic identity and politics shaped the questions anthropologists ask, both past and present? This book details and explains the complex interplay of forces and conditions that have made anthropology in America what it is today. Furthermore, the authors explore how anthropologists themselves have contributed and propagated powerful images and ideas about the different cultures and societies that make up our world. ... Read more

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Finally, a post-Stocking history of anthropology
This book goes a long way toward redirecting the history of anthropology away from the blindspots inflicted on us by George W. Stocking Jr. and his mob.Patterson's marxist approach stresses political and economic factors that anthropology's historical gatekeepers have tried to shield us from noticing. A great book that shoul be read by all anthropologists.

Engaging and informative overview
This book did exactly what I wanted it to do! I received an overview of the history of American anthropology in less than two hundred pages. The book is broken down into historical periods such as the New Republic, Liberal Age, Postwar Era, and the Neoliberal Era. I came to this book , because I had read a bio on FRanz Boas during my studies of Northwest native cultures. It was interesting to learn in what ways science, politics, and education impacted anthropology and to see how the separate disciplines evolved. The bibliography is EXTENSIVE, so if you want to know more about any one social scientist ora particular historical movement the biblio points in the right direction. Although scholarly, this book is not difficult to follow for the average reader that is interested in the subject. I highly recommend it if you are looking for an excellent overview of American anthropology. ... Read more

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In 80 entries this work provides an introduction to the key ideas of cultural anthropology. In each article--culture, race, materialism, semiotics, "primitive," etc.--Winthrop provides a balance between describing a concept's contemporary theoretical relevance and tracing its development, including the broader intellectual context transcending professional anthropology. Thus the article on "interpretation" discusses St. Augustine, Schliermacher, Dilthey, and Gadamer, as well as Geertz and Evans-Pritchard. That on "ethnology" treats Boemus, Acosta, and Prichard as well as the Boasians. The article on "nature" contrasts the Greek concept of physis with the Roman natura. Though this is a work of synthesis rather than of original historical scholarship, Winthrop quotes primary sources as much as possible, to let the key figures speak for themselves. ... Read more

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This book is grounded in the belief that an enhanced global awareness is essential for people preparing to take their place in the fast-paced, increasingly interconnected world of the twenty-first century. The book draws upon classic and recent research in biological, cultural, linguistic, social, economic, and political anthropology, and the anthropology of religion to produce a holistic and global perspective of humanity. For anyone interested in the developing integrated global society.

Customer Reviews (1)

Replacing a textbook that was published in 1973
I am enrolled in a lower division Native American Cultural Anthropology class.I took the prerequisite Culteral Anthropology class in 1974.I researched Raymond Scupins qualifications before ordering this book.This book is a valuable tool and easy to comprehend.It cleary describes theory and vocabulary for the field.I strongly recommend this book. ... Read more

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CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY: AN APPLIED PERSPECTIVE goes beyond the basic outline of introductory materials by applying the theories, insights, and methods of cultural anthropology to those situations that students are likely to encounter in their personal and professional lives. Through Ferraro's engaging narrative and wealth of modern examples, readers come to understand what they can do with anthropology today. With its comparative approach to the study of cultural, CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY provides a comprehensive and ideal overview of the discipline. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Customer Service was great
I got this book very quickly, it's in great shape as well!However I was more impressed with my followup email from the company who wanted to make sure I received everything in satisfactory condition.Not only did I receive a friendly email, but it was extremely humorous and gave a whole different light to great customer service.

great service!
Overall a great transaction. I placed my order and it was processed quickly and shipped and I received it in the condition promised in a short amount of time. Thank You ... Read more

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In this case study, readers will embark on an improbable journey through the heart of Africa to discover how indigenous people cope with the rapid-killing Ebola virus. The Hewletts are the first anthropologists ever invited by the World Health Organization to join a medical intervention team and assist in efforts to control an Ebola outbreak. Their account addresses political, structural, psychological, and cultural factors, along with conventional intervention protocols as problematic to achieving medical objectives. They find obvious historical and cultural answers to otherwise-puzzling questions about why village people often flee, refuse to cooperate, and sometimes physically attack members of intervention teams. Perhaps surprisingly, readers will discover how some cultural practices of local people are helpful and should be incorporated into control procedures. The authors shed new light on a continuing debate about the motivation for human behavior by showing how local responses to epidemics are rooted both in culture and in human nature. Well-supported recommendations emerge from a comparative analysis of Central African cases and pandemics worldwide to suggest how the United States and other countries might use anthropologists and the insights of anthropologists to mount more effective public health campaigns, with particular attention to avian flu and bioterrorism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good book for Intro students
This is a great introduction into what medical anthropologists do in the field.It gives a clear and interesting look into African cultures and epidemic illnesses.I especially like this book because it is readable in the sense that it's not caught up in its own cleverness and bogged down with layers of super-academic speak. ... Read more

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This is the first major study of the Nuer based on primary research since Evans-Pritchard's classic Nuer Religion. It is also the first full-length historical study of indigenous African prophets operating outside the context of the world's main religions, and as such builds on Evans-Pritchard's pioneering work in promoting collaboration and dialogue between the disciplines of anthropology and history. ... Read more

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Since the publication of the first edition of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, several generations of students have successfully used this classic text, which takes a social systems approach to human behavior. Completely revised and updated, this fifth edition shows a full sensitivity to the diverse constituencies of the human services. It reflects awareness of the role of varied cultural and ethnic features within the social environment it explores, and of the importance of the lengthened life cycle. It responds to our understanding of human behavior and to the needs of students and instructors as these have developed since the publication of the previous edition. For the first time, an ancillary diskette to assist in teaching the systems approach is available on request for instructors who have adopted this new edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Quick delivery and book was in good condition.
I ordered this book at the last minute and I got it a full week before class started.

Human Behavior in the Soical Environment
Good Service.Received item quickly.Had to return - no problems with that either and was granted refund.

Good intro to systems theory
This product is a great little introduction to key concepts of systems theory that also dives into the various levels of human interaction.It is basic enough to be easily understandable and comprehensive enough to be useful in one's professional and personal life.Highly recommend.On of the top 10 books in my professional library at the moment.Have to disagree with the review that you need a professor to guide you.Recommend for anyone dealing with people within an institutional or social setting.

Human Behavior in the Social Environment: A Social Systems Approach
the book is written at a high level of reading. with a good professor you will still need alot of direction and clarity. ... Read more

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This third edition builds on the international success of previous editions, offering an easy access critical introduction to social science theories of identity, for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates. All of the previous chapters have been updated and extra material has been added where relevant, for example, on globalization. Two new chapters have been added; one addresses the debate about whether identity matters, discussing, for example, Brubaker; the second reviews the postmodern approach to identity.

The text is informed by relevant topical examples throughout and, as with earlier editions, the emphasis is on sociology, anthropology and social psychology, focusing on the interplay between relationships of similarity and difference; on interaction; on the categorization of others as well as self-identification; and on power, institutions and organizations.

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Comprehensive, readable and written for the student, Haviland/Prins/Walwrath's market-leading text, CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY, is a highly relevant, high-quality teaching tool. The narrative voice of the text has been thoroughly internationalized and the "we:they" Western voice has been replaced with an inclusive one that will resonate with both Western and non-Western students and professors. In addition, gender, ethnicity, and stratification concepts and terminologies have been completely overhauled in accordance with contemporary thinking and the narrative streamlined using more fully developed, balanced, and global examples. In CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY, the authors present students with examples of "local responses" to challenging globalization issues, designed to provide students with a "cross-cultural survival guide"for living in the diverse, multicultural world of the 21st century. This edition is a truly exciting and unique examination into the field of cultural anthropology, its insights, its relevance, and the continuing role of cultural survival issues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Cultural Anthropology, 11th edition
This book is straightforward and easy to understand. Chapters are organized and vocabulary and main topics are summarized at the end of the book; sometimes I'd just read these parts and I would understand the entire chapter.

Education made affordable
My school bookstore wanted $95 for this text but I was able to get it for $5 here. Upon receipt (which was sooner than expected) I did a quick inspection and found the quality to be more than adequate as the book had the original, unopened discs. I couldn't be happier.

Just a book for class.
I did get a used book for a class.It is a great buy, I would've paid $148 for a new one at school, but I asked the teacher and he said this older edition would be fine, so I saved myself a ton of money.The book is in good condition, too.

Great read
Even though I needed this book for a class it was very interesting. Glad that my instructor chose it.It does not focus on one group of people, it shares information about a large number of various cultures across the world.

Curtral Anthropology in a Detailed Sense
I wouldn't have normally purchased this book if it wasn't for a course requirement. From chapter one all the way to the end, the authors take the reader or student through a detailed interface of what life is like experienced in other cultures. It touches upon the four different career interests in cultural anthropology as well. A time consuming read, but loaded with useful information for in and out of the class room.
... Read more

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Cultural Anthropology: A Global Perspective provides students with an introduction to cultural anthropology through a traditional holistic and integrative approach. Organized by societal type, this book's primary emphasis is on applied anthropology, with a strong coverage of globalization.

Customer Reviews (2)

Overall Good
Ordered it Tuesday, got it Friday.. Great shipping!Book is in good condition minus some highlighter marks and a slit in the front cover plus some pages.

Insightful educational text
This was a required text for my online Cultural Anthropology course and for an educational text it is quite interesting.I find the break down of each chapter to be rather appealing and logical and each chapter has a list of terms.My professor gives us many online and outside resources but this text gives the backbone reasoning behind each. ... Read more

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In traditional Polynesian societies, tattooing has played a key role in the social construction of the individual. This is the first study to provide a comparative analysis of tattooing in its original setting--based on a comprehensive survey of both written and oral sources. Drawing on modern social theory, psychoanalysis, and anthropological studies, Gell demonstrates the role of tattooing in the complex array of controlling sacredness and protecting the self. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lots of Good Information, Could Have Been Leaner
While the text is only 315-pages, it is like reading fine print.The author is a "Reader in Anthropology" at the London School of Economics & Political Science.Maybe not my first choice to step forward as an authority on the subject.

"I have just suggested that tattooing is primarily associated with two sociologically defined categories (1) marginalized subcultures (2) preliterate tribal societies.I have further hinted that this distribution is explicable because there is elective affinity between tattooing as an expressive mode and certain lifestyle attributes and value orientations, and that these are the common properties of both categories (1) & (2).It would seem to follow that I must have in the back of my mind some universalist interpretation of what tattooing means.It is indeed true that I have a certain general interpretive idea, but I hope that this need not imply that I am hell-bent on forcing all the available ethnographic data , from whatever source, into a single Procrustean bed of 'tattooing theory'."

Who talks like that?Makes me want to smack him.Its this kind of academia babble that really challenges the reader of this exhausting book.I'll also wager Gell is acting an authority on a subject, and he probably has never gotten a tattoo.So why does it get 4-stars?

Partly because I couldn't give 3.5 and partly because there is nothing else like it that I am aware of.Amid the endless litany of Gell loving to hear himself speak, there is some excellent primary source information on traditional tattooing.It takes real effort and desire to plow through the beginning with all his stupid thoughts like the one above to get to something like:

"We are certainly entitled to regard tattooing as a part of the Samoans' armoury in the field of psychological warfare.Tattoos would be visible in battle, during which those engaged wore only minimal clothing. They certainly must have made warriors more impressive to their opponents, and their gestures of defiance more horrid (and also served to identify slain warriors).As an initiatory episode, tattooing was a means of magically fortifying young men and preparing them for military service..."

I really didn't need to spend $50 to get that, and most of his presentation is typically that awkward/obtuse.In any event, there is a lot of quotation from primary sources that will be of interest to anyone investigated the history or practices of the old cultures associated with Tatau.The Hawaiian section is scant.The Samoan, Tongan, Maori, and Marquesas sections have decent coverage, though each of these cultures should have their own chapter.Tahiti, Fiji, and the Cook Islands equal less than 20-pages.The author really needed to spend time in all these places, and then maybe there would have been more substance to the book.

To really write a book like this, the author needs to do academic research of source materials (which he did rather well), and then, he needs to spend a few years living amongst these cultures (he obviously didn't) and then, HE NEEDS TO GET TATTOOED!Then we'd have a 5-star book. ... Read more

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A New History of Anthropology collects original writings from pre-eminent scholars to create a sophisticated but accessible guide to the development of the field.

• Re-examines the history of anthropology through the lens of the new globalized world
  
• Provides a comprehensive history of the discipline, from its prehistory in the ‘age of exploration’ through to anthropology’s current condition and its relationship with other disciplines
  
• Places ideas and practices within the context of their time and place of origin
  
• Looks at anthropology’s role in colonization, early traditions in the field, and topical issues from various periods in the field’s history, and examines its relationship to other disciplines

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