Social and Cultural Anthropology: The Key Concepts

by Nigel Rapport, Joanna Overing

Social and Cultural Anthropology: The Key Concepts is the ideal introduction to this discipline, defining and discussing its central terms with clarity and authority. Among the concepts explored are:


Cybernetics Ecriture Feminine Gossip Human Rights Moralities Stereotypes Thick Description Violence.
Each entry is accompanied by extensive cross-referencing and an invaluable list of suggestions for further reading, making this a superb reference resource for anyone studying or teaching anthropology.

Genres: Anthropology

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 4.5 star book, this. I have the third edition (2014), which is solely edited by Rapport, so there was not much of Overing left by then, and a few really interesting-sounding essays (Gossip, Transaction, The Unhomely, World-making, etc) from the earlier editions had to be expelled to make way for the rather more prosaic-sounding Applied Anthropology, Environment, Fieldwork and Materiality.

Nevertheless it is a sparkling book (though physically an orange book, and I rather enjoy this Tango-esque boldness!), to which I will no doubt return frequently. The style is clear and enjoyable to read, even when deep in philosophical discussion (which I can't honestly say I grasp 100%) and the bibliography is very helpful. Rapport's own epistemology and liberal cosmopolitanism peek through many of the essays, but since avoiding bias is impossible, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And there is something much more attractive about this approach than Marxism or radical post-structuralism or what have you. I anticipate further engagement with Rapport's work in the future, and have read quite a few of his papers, too.

Disclaimer: my copy is a gift from the man himself, when he came to give a series of lectures at the university I am studying at. He was most kind to a certain naive student and gave generously of his time and mind.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable to any student of Social Anthropology - gives concise yet full explanations of the main concepts, and suggests plenty of excellent resources for further reading. I owe the best grades I've achieved to it in one way or another.

[Sakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a good reference book. Clarifies a lot of concepts. If you have to tell your alterities from subjectivities/objectivities, pick this up.