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An Introduction to Theory in Anthropology

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"An Introduction to Theory in Anthropology" is the perfect place to start if you are interested in a general outline of the various theories that have shaped Social and Cultural Anthropology.

Layton covers every important theory, from Functionalism to Postmodernist theories, with a clear, logical continuation from one chapter to the next. By the end of the book, the reader will not only have a general understanding of anthropological theories, but also of how these theories evolved throughout history and how they are interconnected with each other. Layton also extensively uses ethnographic studies and graphs to explain each theory and place it in the social context from which it evolved. He also makes reference to various important figures throughout the book, such as Radcliffe-Brown, Émile Durkheim and Karl Marx, among others, and how these figures influenced the development of anthropological theory.

In conclusion, this is a great summary of the various social theories used in Anthropology, and I would advice it to anyone interested in the subject.