Sharing Our Worlds (Third Edition): An Introduction to Cultural and Social Anthropology

by Joy Hendry

Sharing Our Worlds offers readers the perfect introduction to cultural and social anthropology, introducing the classic theoretical ideas of its key founders and placing them in their historical and geographical context. This new edition is fully updated, including "topics for reflection" at the end of each chapter which offer topics for debate and further discussion as well as a new final chapter illuminating the valuable ways in which anthropology may be used in the world at large.

This comprehensive text covers the anthropology's core topics in an even-handed and illuminating manner, introducing the reader to divergent views on all of the most basic subjects, including food, hygiene, gift-exchange, rites of passage, symbolism, religion, politics, and the environment, and raising awareness of the emotional value people place on those views. Incorporating a wide array of countries, it brings the subject of cultural and social anthropology right into the neighborhood of the readers, wherever they are in the world.

Written in a refreshingly accessible style, the volume offers a compelling introduction to an enigmatic and exciting subject, drawing out its relevance and value for the complex multicultural world in which we live.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Academic

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book clear, easy for beginners, divided into nice sized chapters and provided ample references and first hand accounts. Fantastic for anyone interested in social anthropology.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensible and easy to read introduction into the subject. Maybe the chapters were somewhat long and I would have liked the photographs to be in color.

[Kyriaki Gkourgkouli · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy to read and beautifully written

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book in one of my classes in college; as a coursebook for an introduction to anthropology it was very very good.
It is easily understandable, there are many examples to make the theoretical abstract better understandable and it is written in a effortless way, making learning by it very pleasant. As a coursebook or additional literature for college I can only recommend it.

[Mauzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for my Intro to Social Anthro class, and it was a neat read. The theories were put together really well, and the information was definitely easy to follow. Covers all the basics and has little asides from people about the topics as well, which was interesting.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to imagine a better introduction to the subject for undergraduate (or keen sixth form) level students. Some writers just have the gift of simplifying without losing too much, explaining without condescending, enthusing without embarrassment, and then putting it all together nicely with lots of helpful links to further reading and listening.

[Aaron Hirani · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. filled with many anectdotes along the way to accompany the content. I am a science enthusiast and can recommend this for those interested in self study. I found it well divided, diverse, and easy to read.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

comprehensive yet quick overview of the subject of anthropology, defiantly recommend for students beginning studies in anthropology.

[Liam Moran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Challenging and without a lot of flow. What I learned was difficult to keep with me.