Social and Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction

A reasonable introduction into anthropology, splitting halfway between a discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the field and examples of cultural diversity in various areas (religion, possessions, relationships, etc.). The examples are completely fascinating, but the theoretical discussions are somewhat dry and although they don't shirk from describing the mammoth difficulties in studying a different culture, to my mind betray the shaky pseudo-scientific ground that anthropology rests on.

claims that Marx thought technology was dominant in determining social formations. this is so totally wrong i don't know where to start

other than that it's alright. does what it says on the tin, gives examples of what they're talking about, has some useful further reading. fair enough

Brings forward the difficulties in judging another culture from one's own cultural bias. Recounts the circular path that anthropology has taken back to where it began: as a travelogue of personal encounters. "People are everywhere the same except in the ways they differ" (145) just about sums it all up.

After a brief introduction on ethnography as practised by anthropologists, the authors discuss the concepts of culture and society and then go on to discuss the different ways people sees themselves as members of social groups, such as families, classes, tribes and nations, and their relations to the physical and spiritual worlds.