Cultural Anthropology: Tribes, States, and the Global System

by John H. Bodley

John Bodley’s Cultural Anthropology provides students with the anthropological tools to question and understand their own culture and the world. The sixth edition of this dynamic book has been updated and revised throughout, with a shorter length and a more streamlined focus. Updates include material on China and Hindu South Asia combined into a single chapter, a new chapter assessing the imperial world and the breakdown of states, and new examples throughout.

In this introduction to the basic concepts of cultural anthropology, Bodley challenges students to consider “big questions” about the nature of cultural


Employing a scale and power approach, the text examines a representative sampling of the world’s major cultural areas and dominant civilizations, from Australian Aborigines, Amazonia, and East African pastoralists to Pacific Islanders, Mesopotamia, China, Hindu India, the British Empire, and the United States; these cultures are shown in depth, as adapting, integrated systems—and as part of regional, continental, and global systems. He concludes the text with a wide-ranging assessment of human problems in the contemporary commercial world, emphasizing inequality, poverty, environmental degradation, and sustainability.

A complimentary instructor’s manual, test bank, and companion website are available to enhance teaching and learning. See “Resources” tab for additional information.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Social Science

464 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 1996

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another textbook I cling to for nostalgic and sentimental reasons. This one was authored by one of my professors. Say what you want about Washington State University, their anthropology staff was second to none.

[M.F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/5 for the most part, book was a slog to get through but has good information. Last chapter is pretty good though and I find his theory of society scale both enlightening and intriguing. Might read more of his academic work in the future.

[Jonathan]

None