Social History of Anthropology in the U.S.

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 256 pages
• Published by: Berg Publishers
• Edition: 1st Edition February 1, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1859734944
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1859734940
• Book Dimensions: 11.7 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 12.2 ounces

From Library Journal
Patterson (Univ. of California, Riverside; Change and Development in the 20th Century) here looks at the social, political, and economic circumstances contributing to the character and scope of anthropology in the United States. He then uses this history as a springboard for discussing the place of anthropology in the greater world, arguing that anthropologists should strive to explain and perhaps rectify injustices. The chapters covering the years from 1776 to 1945 provide a lively, fast-paced chronology of developments, demonstrating how the appointment of certain key individuals to decision-making committees affected practices and priorities. In later chapters, the emphasis shifts to a more standard discussion of recent theories. Patterson's selection of topics reflects his interest in "macro" issues such as stratification, political hegemony, and economic exploitation. He highlights the projects of materialist and especially Marxist anthropologists but does not mention several equally important trends, including structuralism and the entire post-culture-and-personality literature in cognitive/psychological anthropology. Because of these omissions, this otherwise valuable book should be counterbalanced by readings presenting another view, such as Philip K. Bock's Continuities in Psychological Anthropology (o.p.) or Roy G. D'Andrade's The Development of Cognitive Anthropology (Cambridge Univ., 1995). Recommended for academic and greater public libraries. Jay H. Bernstein, Fordham Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Review
'Patterson has given us a fine and politically informed history of American Anthropology.' -- Karen Brodkin, UCLA

'Patterson has written a critical text that will change the way we think about and interpret the history of anthropology.' -- Lee D.Baker, Duke University

'This book should be read by all anthropologists interested in looking at the links between the production and consumption of knowledge.' -- Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute

'Tom Patterson has written a trail-blazing social and institutional history of American anthropology.' -- Bruce Trigger, McGill University --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.