This new dictionary comprises more than 400 entries, providing concise, authoritative definitions for a range of concepts relating to cultural anthropology, as well as important findings and intellectual figures in the field. Entries include adaptation and kinship, scientific racism, and writing culture, providing readers with a wide-ranging overview of the subject. Accessibly written and engaging, A Dictionary of Cultural Anthropology is authored by subject experts, and presents anthropology as a dynamic and lively field of enquiry. Complemented by a global list of anthropological organizations, more than 20 figures and tables to illustrate the entries, and web links pointing to useful external sources, this is an essential text for undergraduates studying anthropology, and also serves those studying allied subjects such as archaeology, politics, economics, geography, sociology, and gender studies.

Practical and accessible, this dictionary is designed to enlightenthose newly engaged in anthropological study or seeking a quickguide to the field. Fills a need for a beginner’s pocket guide to thefar-reaching and complex field of anthropology, including over 800detailed entries and the intellectual background of terms Written in plain, jargon-free language, for readers withoutextensive background in the field Features brief, conceptual definitions of terms,bibliographical references to anthropological classics, relatedworks for background reading and further research The user-friendly format includes bold terms featured elsewherein the book, extensive cross-references, and indexes of names,peoples, places and subjects Incorporates related terminology from allied fields such associology, economics and geography

In addition to covering the primary centers of production in the United States and Britain, this volume also includes leading anthropologists from a wide range of regions and backgrounds. Combining valuable essays on seminal historical figures, as well as entries on the foremost scholars of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, this unique reference offers an important overview of the historical and contemporary reach of anthropological research. With nearly 600 signed entries from a global team of contributors, this comprehensive work is destined to be the definitive reference source for authoritative information on the historical and contemporary key figures in the field.

"This new dictionary provides concise, authoritative definitions for a range of concepts relating to cultural anthropology, as well as important findings and intellectual figures in the field. Entries include adaptation, kinship, scientific racism, and writing culture, providing its readers with a wide-ranging overview of the subject. This accessibly written and engaging text presents anthropology as a dynamic and lively field of enquiry. Complemented by a global list of anthropological organizations, more than 15 figures and tables to illustrate the entries, and weblinks pointing to useful external sources, this is an essential text for undergraduates studying anthropology, and also serves those studying allied subjects such as politics, economics, geography, sociology, and gender studies."--

The field of cultural anthropology describes and interprets the thought and behavior of contemporary and near-contemporary societies. Inherently pluralistic, it offers a framework in which the distinctive perspectives of each cultural world can be appreciated. Robert Winthrop's dictionary describes the major concepts that have shaped the discipline, both historically and theoretically. It sets modern anthropology in its proper context within the broader intellectual tradition. Eighty entries review the key concepts--culture, race, nature, symbolism, adaptation, the primitive, etc.--that have established the fundamental problems and issues, guided research, and served as the focus for debate in key areas of the discipline. The entries which range from 2,000 to 6,000 words in length, are both thorough in treatment and contemporary in relevance. Some entries are primarily of historical significance while others describe recent developments. Each entry contains an annotated bibliography and a guide to additional reading on the subject. While this is not primarily a technical lexicon, many terms have been glossed and explained. Designed to be useful to students of anthropology, this dictionary will assist those in other disciplines to find their way through the anthropological labyrinth.

Contains over 200 entries on key concepts and theorists of cultural studies.

Now thoroughly updated and revised, this new edition of the highly acclaimed dictionary provides an authoritative and accessible guide to modern ideas in the broad interdisciplinary fields of cultural and critical theory Updated to feature over 40 new entries including pieces on Alain Badiou, Ecocriticism, Comparative Racialization , Ordinary Language Philosophy and Criticism, and Graphic Narrative Includes reflective, broad-ranging articles from leading theorists including Julia Kristeva, Stanley Cavell, and Simon Critchley Features a fully updated bibliography Wide-ranging content makes this an invaluable dictionary for students of a diverse range of disciplines