Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology

by James P. Spradley, David W. McCurdy (Editor)

An ideal complement to standard anthropology texts or as a stand-alone text/reader, the best-selling Conformity and Conflict continues to offer an in-depth look at anthropology as a powerful way to study human behavior and events. The 37 articles cover a broad range of theoretical perspectives and demonstrate basic anthropological concepts. The twelfth edition retains the accessibility of the previous editions and the view that anthropology provides a fascinating perspective on the human experience. The twelfth edition has been shaped by the current concerns in both anthropology and American society, including globalization, the study of women's lives, race and ethnicity, and the practical applications of anthropology and the ways it leads to everyday careers. The newly revised table of contents reflects the suggestions of Conformity and Conflict users. Thirty percent of the readings are either revised or entirely new to this edition. Nine new articles appear in this edition of Conformity and Conflict (Readings 7, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 32, 33), three of which were expressly commissioned for this edition (12, 29, 25). Four articles (5, 28, 31 and 35) have been updated for this edition. More attention is paid to cultural ecology, to the impact of the world market and world systems on human social life, and to human change in increasingly large and complex societies. An entirely NEW section on globalization includes three new articles that introduce readers to key concepts - how popular culture spreads to different societies, the processes by which cultural artifacts, social structures, and how ideas are adopted and changed as they reach new societies.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Education, School, Cultural, Reference

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Kelsey Bhasker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of cultural scenarios and ethnographic studies undergone within different areas of study;the text doesn't present itself as textbook lingo, rather its more like adrenaline parts of a journeyer's blog highlights. You'll learn so much about societal structures, and humans capacity and flexibility in language,learning, and emotions.You will quickly want to turn the page to learn more about whats being uncovered and reviewed. The accounts are eloquently structured and the content in intellectually intriguing past the black and white words.You'll read a story at a time but they all overlap together to create a story of mankind's overall cultural variety and similarities.

It highlights very beautifully the intriguing nature of the different cultural foundations and their motifs, interpretations,and life's artistic creativeness.You get to travel through different peoples mindsets,through their reviews, as they experience different parts of the world's cultures while pondering their own stored knowledge juxtaposing to the emotional discoveries of life's creativity and adaptability.

I definitely recommend reading this because it diversifies your perceptions of the universe by peoples lifestyle reflections of it, and it adds more colors and meaning to your understanding of human nature and evolution, and lastly, it explores and merges the most fascinating theme of psychological complexity and its manifested communication people between individuals.

You'll close the book being more curious about the world and wanting to learn and observe it more carefully and actively.

[Kelila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the best textbook I've ever had, mostly because it is decidedly un-textbookish. Full of [mostly] interesting articles, it was fairly easy to get through; I did actually read it! And despite being a textbook, we were assigned all, but like three, of the articles it contains. So I did end up reading the whole god damn thing [or close to it]!

Hooray for last week of my summer class and a short summer before fall term begins!

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a few essays are a bit dated, there are some true classics in this collection.

[Chantilly Patiño · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really excellent book filled with a variety of stories and scenarios that help to enlighten readers about popular topics and thoughts in Anthropology. I really enjoyed it and found it very helpful for critical thinking and examining of various social groups and situations. I think if you really enjoy learning about what motivates certain cultural traditions and social expectations, this is a great read!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've perused a lot of anthropology textbooks, as it was definitely a major interest of mine in college (and we had no anthropology program in the school), and of all that I read, this was definitely my favorite. Very readable and quite interesting, whether you're a student or not.

[Dawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating stories, I love this sort of reading. Fish's "Mixed Blood" was an eye-opener and should be required reading. (Last time I checked, it was available as an online article, it's about the origins of 'race'. google it if you're interested)

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book comprised of engaging ethnographic articles on topics that shape human cultures around the world. Contents include sections on politics and law, kinship and family, language and communication, globalization and identity roles & groups.

[Aran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as a text for an Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course. Decent anthology of writings about cultural anthropology. Covers a wide array of cultures and provides a decent primer for a new student.

[Skilty Labastilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

the text that i use for my classes =)

[Meen]

Hahaha, I have the "Special 1/2 Price Edition," so the pictures on the front are in b&w!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this when i was in school and now am tutoring for a class using it. interesting read.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing wealth of information on cultural anthropology. Whether you're a student or just a curious reader, this is far more intriguing than any textbook I was assigned in school!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't read the entire book, but read a lot of the articles for class. Very interesting! 4.5 stars.

[Nastya Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of articles written on virtually every topic within cultural anthropology.

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This textbook provided a diverse array of fields in anthropology one might pursue as well as establishing a multitude of cultures whom may be studied, interpreted, and ultimately understood.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok. I've never seen an anthropology textbook that has impressed me, though.

[Chantelle Bolinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite interesting, especially for a text book