A History of Anthropological Theory

Front Cover
University of Toronto Press, Jan 1, 2008 - Social Science - 296 pages

This overview of the history of anthropological theory provides a comprehensive history from antiquity through to the twenty-first century, with a focus on the twentieth century and beyond. Unlike other volumes, it also offers a four-field introduction to theory. As a stand-alone text, or used in conjunction with the companion volume Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory, Erickson and Murphy offer a comprehensive, affordable, and contemporary introduction to anthropological theory.

The third edition has been updated and fully revised throughout to closely parallel the presentation in the companion reader, making it easier to use both books in tandem. New original essays by contemporary theorists bring theories to life, and portraits of important theorists make it a handsome volume. Sources and suggested readings have been updated, and glossary definitions have been updated, streamlined, and standardized.

 

Contents

List of Illustrations
11
List of Illustrations
13
The Middle Ages
26
Adam and Eve
29
The Rise of Positivism
40
Sir James Frazer 18541941
55
Evolutionism vs Diffusionism
56
Grave Creek Burial Mound West Virginia
61
Cultural NeoEvolutionism
141
Leslie White 19001975
143
Cultural Materialism
147
Symbolic and Interpretive Anthropology
157
Formal Gardens at Castle Bromwich Hall West Midlands England
165
Transactionalism
166
Political Economy
173
Robert Redfield 18971958
176

Charles Darwins Study at Down House Kent England
67
Sigmund Freud
75
SPEAKING ABOUT ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY Janice Boddy
91
PART
93
Robert Lowie 18831957
99
Ruth Benedict 18871948
105
French Structural Anthropology
111
The Totemic Operator
114
British Social Anthropology
123
The Kula Ring
127
SPEAKING ABOUT ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY Lee D Baker
135
Postmodernity
180
Anthropology as Text
189
Public Anthropology
198
Lila AbuLughod Interviewing Bedouin Women in West Egypt
203
Conclusion
205
Isms in Schism
211
Review Questions
217
Glossary
229
Sources and Suggested Reading
247
Illustration Sources
279
Copyright

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About the author (2008)

Paul A. Erickson is Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. Liam D. Murphy is Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at California State University, Sacramento.

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