Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective

by Ann McElroy, Patricia K. Townsend

Widespread awareness of emerging infectious diseases and global environmental change makes the ecological perspective of this premier teaching text for medical anthropology as relevant as ever. Integrating biocultural, environmental, and evolutionary approaches to the study of human health, this fifth edition is now thoroughly revised to reflect new developments in the field. Research by human biologists and paleopathologists illuminates the history and prehistory of disease, while the work of cultural and applied anthropologists addresses contemporary health issues. The fifth edition features five new profiles by guest contributors, all leading researchers on health and environment. New topics include community health and disease prevention in urban America; water-borne disease in Ecuador; iodine deficiency in the Himalaya; stress and demographic change in northern Siberia; and participatory action research in Costa Rica. Also included is updated and expanded consideration of refugee health, global aspects of HIV/AIDS, and careers in applied medical anthropology.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Read For School, Reference, Social Science, Science

520 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 1985

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up the first edition of this text for a college sociology class way back in the day. Now, as a prof, it is one of a handful of books from that era that I continue to find myself discussing with students. Covers a broad range of topics with compelling profiles that lend depth to subjects that might otherwise be dismissed as mundane by the average freshman.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never in my life did I think I would rate a textbook 5 stars. But I did. Not because I particularly enjoyed this textbook-reading experience, but because I didn't hate it. the chapters were manageable and easy to understand. I liked having a real world example to apply the concepts to. Also, the text wasn't unbearably dry. So good job, Ann McElroy and Pat Townsend!

[Mills College Library]

306.461 M1416 2014