Overview
The 57 articles collected in this volume—-together with the editors’ introduction—-provide an overview of the key debates in anthropological theory over the past century.
- Provides the most comprehensive selection of readings and insightful overview of anthropological theory available
- Identifies crucial conceptual signposts and new theoretical directions for the discipline
- Discusses broader debates in the social sciences: debates about society and culture; structure and agency; identities and technologies; subjectivities and translocality; and meta-theory, ontology and epistemology
Synopsis
The strength and diversity of anthropological theorizing during the 20th century is demonstrated in 57 articles and essays. The goal is not to present the theories themselves, but to illustrate the practice of engaging with theory, particular ways of thinking, analyzing, and reflecting that have emerged in the context of the discipline. Almost every well known anthropologist appears, with the notable exception of Margaret Mead. Among the topics pondered are culture and behavior, language and method, coherence and contingency, and the anthropology of Western modes of thought. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Editorials
From the Publisher
“Anthropology in Theory is a dazzling collection and Moore and Sanders have impeccable taste in theory. Their selection of readings—-an exhibit of famous voices (from Boas to Bourdieu), visionary positions (from functionalism to poststructuralism) and clarion and root concepts (from cultural pattern to cultural hybridity)—-is not only well-designed; the book is certain to be a boon to the practice of teaching anthropology in the new millennium.” Richard A. Shweder, University of Chicago
“This volume offers intellectual questions and debates by which anthropology has come to know itself as a discipline. The editors challenge us to recognize new forms of imagination emerging within and outside of anthropological practice. In this effort, they surpass themselves.” Debbora Battaglia, Mt. Holyoke College
"This book breaks fascinating ground in its breadth of coverage and depth of analysis. The editors have done an exemplary job of engaging the study of Anthropology from myriad angles in an attempt to show the student that mastery of this discipline takes a keen eye and a mind willing to go beyond surface debate into the core of each 'theory'."
The Electric Review