The Anthropology of Self and Behavior

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 210 pages
• Published by: Rutgers Univ Pr May 1992
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0813517621
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0813517629
• Book Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 8.8 ounces

Back Cover Copy
In this engaging book in the field of psychological anthropology, Gerald Erchak argues that culture shapes the human self and behavior, and that the self and behavior are in turn adapted to culture. After defining basic concepts and debates in the field. Erchak takes up the topics of socialization, gender, sexuality, collective behavior, national character, deviance, behavioral adaptation is basic to human life. Culture plays a central role in our behavior and survival.

Each chapter reviews the literature, providing an overview of central issues in the field, and includes ethnographic case material, some of which comes form Erchak's own work on West African socialization and initiation, American alcoholism and other important topics. His examples are drawn from the U.S. as well as non-Western cultures.

Erchak addresses himself to students in the field, but also to specialists who want a clearly presented yet provocative approach. This book will be of particular interests to teachers looking for new texts for undergraduate courses in anthropology and psychology.