Introducing Anthropology

Laura Pountney delivers teaching training for secondary education and is the author of a number of anthropology and sociology textbooks. She teaches at Colchester Sixth Form CollegeTomislav Marić is Assistant Head Teacher at Bentley Wood High School

This new edition of Introducing Anthropology updates a formidable and thought-provoking inquiry into what makes us human, and highlights how students can knowledgeably take part in important but sometimes difficult conversations that help shape a more just and sustainable world.Edward Liebow, Executive Director, American Anthropological Association"A classroom text written by teachers for teachers. I cannot recommend it highly enough."David Shankland, Director, Royal Anthropological Institute"Now, more than ever, we need to gain an empathetic understanding of the peoples with whom we share our planet. This makes anthropology essential to basic education. Fortunately, this book provides an excellent introduction to the subject replete with fascinating illustrations and insights that convey just how absorbing and interesting this task can be. It is one of those books one immediately wishes everyone would read."Daniel Miller, University College LondonPRAISE FOR THE PREVIOUS EDITION“A lively and comprehensive introduction to a broad range of anthropological themes, peppered with ethnographic examples showcasing the diversity of human lives and societies, this book fills a gap and not only reveals the knowledge contributions of anthropology but also gives a hint of its magic.” Thomas Hylland Eriksen, University of Oslo“A thorough introduction to anthropology which is as engaging as it is informative. A must-read for all students starting in the subject, as well as an excellent book for those who simply want to know more about the subject matter and methods of anthropology.”Dave Latham, Birmingham Metropolitan College

• Preface Who is This Book For?What Makes Us Human?Culture: Universality and DiversityEthnographic ResearchHow to Use This BookAcknowledgements1 What Makes Us Human?Key issues and debatesHow Did Humans Evolve?Cultural EvolutionHow Do Humans Vary? The Concept of Race and a Critique of the ConceptConclusion2 Research MethodsKey issues and debatesEthnographyDigital AnthropologyConclusion3 The BodyKey issues and debatesBody Modifications and DecorationsBody TypesAnthropological Theories of the BodySymbolic Classification and the Body: The Body and SocietyConclusion4 Ways of Thinking and CommunicatingKey issues and debatesClassificationExplaining EventsLanguageNonverbal CommunicationHuman Communication before Writing: Oral TraditionsHow Are Modern Technologies Affecting Communication?Conclusion5 Social RelationsKey issues and debatesSocial Class, Caste, Gender, AgeKinshipMarriage PatternsKinship Relationships with Nonhuman Species and ObjectsThe Effect of Technological Advances on Definitions of KinshipUsing Objects to Express Social Relations.The Spread of CapitalismConclusion6 Engaging with NatureKey issues and debatesCultural Practices in Relation to the EnvironmentThe Nature versus Culture DebateThe Relationship between Humans and AnimalsAnthropology and Climate CrisisConclusion7 PersonhoodKey issues and debatesDevelopment of the Western Philosophical Concept of PersonhoodExamples of Concepts of PersonhoodHow is Personhood Expressed and Understood by Anthropologists?Personhood and Boundaries.Conclusion8 IdentityKey issues and debatesHow Do Anthropologists Understand Identification?Social Memory: ‘Folk’ Memory-MakingLanguageMusicShaping Group IdentitiesConclusion9 RitualKey issues and debatesTypes of RitualFunctions of RitualsAnthropological Approaches to RitualPolitical RitualsRites of PassageConclusion10 GenderKey issues and debatesGender and BiologyFeminismQueer TheoryGender, Relationships and PowerAlternative Gender IdentitiesConclusion11 BoundariesKey issues and debatesBoundaries and BodiesBoundaries between Ethnic GroupsBoundaries between Humans and CyborgsConclusion12 GlobalizationKey issues and debatesThe History of GlobalizationHow Do Anthropologists Study Globalization?Anthropology of TourismThe Impact of GlobalizationCreolizationDoes Globalization Lead to Homogeneity?Globalization and MigrationConsequences of the Global EconomyLocal and Global Impacts of GlobalizationConclusion13 The Role of Material CultureKey issues and debatesWhat Is Material Culture?Archaeology, Anthropology and the Role of Material CultureAre Digital Objects Material?Aesthetics: The Culturally Constructed Nature of BeautyHow Do Material Objects Symbolize Relationships?Theories of Material CultureMaterial Objects Used to Communicate and Negotiate IdentityThe Representation of Material CultureConclusion14 Applied AnthropologyKey issues and debatesWhat is Applied Anthropology?Advocacy in AnthropologyApplied Anthropology and Public HealthEthics and Applied AnthropologyThe American Anthropological AssociationExamples of Applied AnthropologyAnthropologists’ Testimonies and Case StudiesConclusionKey TermsReferencesEthnographic FilmsWebsitesIndex