Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective

by Ann McElroy, Patricia K. Townsend

The newest edition of the premier teaching text in medical anthropology is thoroughly revised to reflect new developments in the field. Widespread awareness of emerging infectious diseases and global environmental change makes the ecological perspective of the McElroy-Townsend text even more relevant to students than when it was first published. Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective integrates biocultural, environmental, and evolutionary approaches to the study of human health. Research by human biologists and paleopathologists illuminates the history and prehistory of disease, while the work of cultural and applied anthropologists addresses contemporary health issues. Celebrating the book’s 25th anniversary, the Fourth Edition includes increased coverage of emerging diseases, evolutionary medicine, the homeless, health disparities, and forensic anthropology. New chapters treat reproduction and careers in applied medical anthropology. New “Profiles” (case studies) on stress and toxic chemicals have been added and other profiles have been updated, further augmenting the classroom-friendly features the book is noted for.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Read For School, Reference, Social Science, Science

480 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 1985

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up the first edition of this text for a college sociology class way back in the day. Now, as a prof, it is one of a handful of books from that era that I continue to find myself discussing with students. Covers a broad range of topics with compelling profiles that lend depth to subjects that might otherwise be dismissed as mundane by the average freshman.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never in my life did I think I would rate a textbook 5 stars. But I did. Not because I particularly enjoyed this textbook-reading experience, but because I didn't hate it. the chapters were manageable and easy to understand. I liked having a real world example to apply the concepts to. Also, the text wasn't unbearably dry. So good job, Ann McElroy and Pat Townsend!

[Mills College Library]

306.461 M1416 2014