An Introduction to Social Anthropology

Description

An essential core textbook that leads the reader from Social Anthropology‘s foundational approaches and theories to the fundamental areas that characterise the field today. Taking a truly global and holistic view, it includes a wide range of case studies, touching on topics that both divide and connect us, such as family, marriage and religion. Fully updated and revised, the third edition of this popular textbook continues to introduce students to what Social Anthropology is, what anthropologists do, how and what they contribute, and how even a limited knowledge of anthropology can help people flourish in today’s world.
This is an inviting, engaging and enjoyable text that has established itself as a comprehensive introduction to social and cultural anthropology. Written in an accessible style, and including a wide range of pedagogical features, it is ideally suited to new or prospective students seeking to better understand the discipline and its roots.
New to this Edition:
– Includes a new chapter on the role of social and cultural anthropologists and the specific methods they use in a fast-changing world
– Features a number of new first-hand accounts to explore difficult concepts through people’s real world experiences
– Updated sections for further exploration, including books, articles, novels, films and websites

Joy Hendry is Professor Emerita in Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University, senior member of St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, UK, and Honorary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh, UK. Her previous books include Science and Sustainability: Learning from Indigenous Wisdom (2014), Understanding Japanese Society (4th edition, 2013) and Reclaiming Culture (2005).
Joy Hendry is Professor Emerita in Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University, senior member of St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, UK, and Honorary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh, UK. Her previous books include Science and Sustainability: Learning from Indigenous Wisdom (2014), Understanding Japanese Society (4th edition, 2013) and Reclaiming Culture (2005).

Introduction
1. Seeing the World
2. Disgusting, Forbidden and Unthinkable
3. Gifts, Exchange and Reciprocity
4. The Ritual Round
5. Society: A Set of Symbols
6. Beauty and Bounty, Treasure and Trophies
7. Cosmology I: Religion, Magic and Mythology
8. Cosmology II: Witchcraft, Shamanism & Syncretism
9. Law, Order and Social Control
10. The Art of Politics
11. Family, Kinship and Marriage
12. Economics and the Environment
13. Identities in a Connected World
14. Anthropology and Anthropologists

Additional information