ABSTRACT

This updated second edition of Mark Moberg's lively book offers a fresh look at the history of anthropological theory. Covering key concepts and theorists, Engaging Anthropological Theory 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 sociopolitical 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.

chapter 1|26 pages

Of politics and paradigms

chapter 3|28 pages

Anthropology before anthropologists

chapter 4|29 pages

Theory and practice to change the world

chapter 5|26 pages

Heirs to order and progress

chapter 7|28 pages

The Boasian revolution

chapter 8|30 pages

Culture and psychology

chapter 9|28 pages

Functionalism, the pure and the hyphenated

chapter 10|29 pages

Anti-structure and the collapse of empire

chapter 11|26 pages

Evolution redux

chapter 15|46 pages

The contemporary anthropological moment