Cultural Anthropology (Paperback)

~ (Author), Richard L. Warms (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whether or not the changes suggested were made, I have used this book before and would use it again [if taught course]. The basic material coverage is there and it is readable. The inclusion of global, contemporary research and anthro perspectives is exceptionally good."

"This text really impressed me and I plan to adopt it for my spring classes in 2005. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to really look at this book and see what I was missing."

Product Description

Build your own awareness of cultures around the world with CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY! Emphasizing the issues of gender, stratification, ethnicity, globalization, and the similarities and differences among all cultures, this anthropology text provides you with the tools you need to succeed. Take advantage of CengageNOW, which saves you time and enhances your performance in the course through Pre-Tests, Personalized Study Plans and Post-Test materials.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 552 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 9 edition (April 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534617069
• ISBN-13: 978-0534617066
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #315,368 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ethnography, Globolization, and Environmental Crisis, April 29, 2007

By	Cosmas Topographicos "Cosmas Alexandrinus" (Cosmic Megalopolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cultural Anthropology (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Paperback)

"Cultural Anthropology,...innovative in form and content, and focused on both traditional and emerging topics...,. Cultural Anthropology occupies an important niche in what can be thought of as the ecology of anthropological publications,"
'Vision Statement'




Covered Issues:
The main issues covered by this introductory textbook, are arranged in a systematic approach to the subject, starts with Human diversity as a key in the book plan to introduce the subject. The idea of culture, language, and absorbing culture turn to socio-economics of living. Economic behavior, marriage, family, and gender, discusses social classification, and ranking, concludes in power and control. Cultural identities are surveyed within religion, ritual and the arts. The last main chapter of the book concludes with Cultural change.

Cultural anthropology:
Cultural anthropology is one of four fields of the holistic study of humanity. It is the branch of anthropology that has developed and promoted folkloric culture as a reflective analytical and formative concept. It is the branch of anthropology that considers cultural variation between humans. Cultural Anthropology continues to provide a forum for active observation of varied, anthropological frameworks with meaningful projections, with critical theories of race, sex, class, feminism, and post-colonialism continues to look for new perspective.

Cultural Change:
All cultures are dynamic, no culture was, has been, or is static. All cultures change throughout time and space, but most of them are conservative in that their tendencies to resist change. Since Alexander the great started a global Hellenization especially around the Mediterranean, this was encountered by resistance like in Judea. Some still resist more than others by like non tolerance in dressing or eating habits or education, especially between religion motivated societies. Enacting laws for the preservation and protection of traditional cultural patterns, by limiting national language to one or two, while putting up barriers to alien ideas and things, even reaction to illegal immigration as clear from recent reactions in France, Europe in general, and the USA.

Conclusion:
How did anthropology contribute to solving human problems?, and what is the role of anthropologists in public policy wrt legislation and enforcement could very well be portrayed in the Global warming debate, and Kyoto agreement, ethnic cleansing in the Balkans and Africa. Those vital issues raise legitimate concerns expressed on behalf of Cultural Anthropologists.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Cultural text, February 11, 2008

By	K. Arford - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I can't figure out to which article the previous review is referring. It's a little ridiculous and useless to make such an accusation of bias without mentioning what specific article it is that is so grossly biased and derogatory. I would like to know. I myself alwys prefer Nanda and Warms' text for my class. I've reviewed many many texts and just like their format and content the best. It is clear, well organized, and yes, less materialist oriented. Also the content is much better than most other texts, particularly on the subjects of Gender and Religion.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I've seen a lot of intro texts, August 23, 2007

By	E. Campisi "extrabooksalbany" (Baldwin, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This one stands out for its clarity and lack of too much of a materialist or idealist bias, which is where other intro texts have become annoying to me. I'm trying it for my next class because 3 of my colleagues have already recommended it.