Features
The book's generous use of figures, photos, and maps engages students and gives them a visual explanation of important information. Locator maps illustrate where in the world the chapter's content is taking place.
"Biocultural Connections" illustrate how cultural and biological processes work together to shape human biology, beliefs, and behavior and reflect the integrated biocultural approach central to the field of anthropology today. Topics include "Why Red is Such a Potent Color," "The Social Impact of Genetics on Reproduction," Maori Origins: Ancestral Genes and Mythical Canoes, and "Toxic Breast Milk Threatens Arctic Culture." Each one ends with a critical-thinking question.
Every chapter features four Questions for Reflection designed to stimulate and deepen thought, trigger class discussion, and ink the material to the students' own lives.
Original Studies are excerpts from case studies and other original works by those in the field. Found in most chapters, they illustrate important concepts in the discipline and show how anthropologists study human beliefs and behavior, past and present. Exciting topics, some new and some updated, include the works of Michele Goldsmith ("Ethics of Great Ape Habituation and Conservation: The Costs and Benefits of Ecotourism"), Frans de Waal ("Reconciliation and its Cultural Modification in Primates"), Bill Maurer ("Sacred Law in Global Capitalism"), and Margo DeMello ("The Modern Tattoo Community").
Anthropology Applied boxes focus on the broad range of work anthropologists from around the world undertake and the variety of social contexts in which they practice. With these boxes, students also see what types of career opportunities are available to them outside of academia -- from work in reproduction and healthcare, to forensics, ecotourism, economic development, international aid, dispute resolution, indigenous language preservation, and cultural revitalization through traditional art.
"Visual Counterpoints" feature side-by-side photos to compare and contrast cultures from around the world. New photos cover more global topics.
Globalscape, a map/story/photo feature, charts the global flow of people, goods, and services, as well as pollutants and pathogens.
The Barrel Model of Culture is a pedagogical device original to this book. This model shows the interrelatedness of social, ideological, and economic factors within a cultural system, along with the outside influences of environment, climate, and other societies. Throughout the book, examples are linked to this point and this image.
Material on gender-related issues is included in every chapter, far exceeding the single chapter that most textbooks devote to the subject.