ABSTRACT

This lively book offers a fresh look at the history of anthropological theory. Covering key concepts and theorists, Mark Moberg examines the historical context of anthropological ideas and the contested nature of anthropology itself. Anthropological ideas regarding human diversity have always been rooted in the socio-political conditions in which they arose and exploring them in context helps students understand how and why they evolved, and how theory relates to life and society. Illustrated throughout, this engaging text moves away from the dry recitation of past viewpoints in anthropology and brings the subject matter to life.

Additional resources are available via a companion website at: https://www.routledge.com/cw/moberg-9780415809160/

chapter 1|23 pages

Of politics and paradigms

chapter 3|22 pages

The prehistory of anthropology

chapter 4|19 pages

Marx

chapter 5|19 pages

Durkheim and Weber

chapter 7|25 pages

Boas and the demise of cultural evolution

chapter 8|23 pages

Culture and psychology

chapter 9|23 pages

9Structure and function

chapter 10|24 pages

Decolonization and anti-structure

chapter 11|21 pages

Ecological and neo-evolutionary approaches

chapter 15|20 pages

The contemporary anthropological moment