ENGLISH

Anthropology Beyond Culture

By Barbara J. King , Richard G. Fox

Book information

Publisher
Berg Publishers
Year
2002
ISBN
185973524X, 9781859735244
Open Library ID
OL3762719M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
1 MB (1459999 bytes)
Series
Wenner-Gren International Symposium
Edition
First Edition
Pages
256\334
Time added
2011-04-11 19:55:47

Description

Culture is a vexed concept within anthropology. From their earliest studies, anthropologists have often noted the emotional attachment of people to their customs, even in cases where this loyalty can make for problems. Do anthropologists now suffer the same kind of disability with respect to their continuing emotional attachment to the concept of culture? This book considers the state of the culture concept in anthropology and finds fault with a ‘love it or leave it’ attitude. Rather than pledging undying allegiance or summarily dismissing it, the volume argues that anthropology can continue with or without a concept of culture, depending on the research questions being asked, and, furthermore, that when culture is retained, no single definition of it is practical or necessary. Offering sensible solutions to a topic of hot debate, this book will be essential reading for anyone seeking to learn what a concept of culture can offer anthropology, and what anthropology can offer the concept of culture.

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