What is Anthropology?

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book What is Anthropology? by Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Pluto Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Hylland Eriksen ISBN: 9781783710577
Publisher: Pluto Press Publication: August 20, 2004
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Thomas Hylland Eriksen
ISBN: 9781783710577
Publisher: Pluto Press
Publication: August 20, 2004
Imprint:
Language: English
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. Eriksen explains how to see the world from below and from within – emphasising the importance of adopting an insider's perspective. He reveals how seemingly enormous cultural differences actually conceal the deep unity of humanity.

Lucid and accessible,
What is Anthropology? draws examples from current affairs as well as anthropological studies. The first section presents the history of anthropology, its unique research methods and some of its central concepts, such as society, culture and translation. Eriksen shows how anthropology helps to shape contemporary thinking and why it is inherently radical.

In the second section he discusses core issues in greater detail. Reciprocity, or exchange, or gift-giving, is shown to be the basis of every society. Eriksen examines kinship in traditional societies, and shows why it remains important in complex ones. He argues nature is partly cultural, and explores anthropological views on human nature as well as ecology. He delves into cultural relativism and the problem of understanding others. Finally, he describes the paradoxes of identity – ethnic, national, religious or postmodern, as the case may be.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
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. Eriksen explains how to see the world from below and from within – emphasising the importance of adopting an insider's perspective. He reveals how seemingly enormous cultural differences actually conceal the deep unity of humanity.

Lucid and accessible,
What is Anthropology? draws examples from current affairs as well as anthropological studies. The first section presents the history of anthropology, its unique research methods and some of its central concepts, such as society, culture and translation. Eriksen shows how anthropology helps to shape contemporary thinking and why it is inherently radical.

In the second section he discusses core issues in greater detail. Reciprocity, or exchange, or gift-giving, is shown to be the basis of every society. Eriksen examines kinship in traditional societies, and shows why it remains important in complex ones. He argues nature is partly cultural, and explores anthropological views on human nature as well as ecology. He delves into cultural relativism and the problem of understanding others. Finally, he describes the paradoxes of identity – ethnic, national, religious or postmodern, as the case may be.

More books from Pluto Press

Cover of the book Percy Bysshe Shelley by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book A Different Hunger by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Global Cities At Work by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Kropotkin and the Anarchist Intellectual Tradition by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Unmanned by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book China and the 21st Century Crisis by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Red International and Black Caribbean by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Hobsbawm by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book A People's History of the Second World War by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book England's Discontents by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Double Crossed by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book The Scramble for African Oil by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book Reel Power by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book The Birth of Capitalism by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
Cover of the book What We Are Fighting For by Thomas Hylland Eriksen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy