Cultural Anthropology introduces students to the concepts and methods that anthropologists bring to the study of cross-cultural diversity. Centering her approach on the roles of globalization and cultural change, author Nancy Bonvillain encourages students to think critically about what is going on in the world, and to examine how events affect cultures. The Fourth Edition has been updated with the latest statistical data and offers discussion of hot-button contemporary topics such as climate change, online communication, and GMOs.
Features
In Their Own Voices boxes feature the words of indigenous peoples whose lives are discussed in the text.
Case Study features provide extended discussions that enable students to understand complex relationships among various practices.
Culture Change features present material focusing on the ways that culture is transformed. These sections stress the interconnections among material change, behavioral practices, and ideology, demonstrating the complex interactions that result from change.
Expanded for the Fourth Edition, Anthropology Applied boxes highlight the roles that anthropologists play in applying theory and knowledge to practical concerns.
Controversies boxes present differing opinions about key theoretical or research topics.
About the Author
Nancy Bonvillain is a professor of anthropology and linguistics at Bard College at Simon's Rock.
Table of Contents:
1. What Is Anthropology?
2. The Nature of Culture
3. Studying Culture
4. Language and Culture
5. Learning One’s Culture
6. Colonialism and Cultural Transformations
7. Making a Living
8. Economic Systems
9. Kinship and Descent
10. Marriage and the Family
11. Gender
12. Equality and Inequality
13. Political Systems
14. Conflict and Conflict Resolution
15. Religion
16. The Arts
17. Living in a Global World
