This book provides a comprehensive introduction to psychological anthropology, covering both the early history and contemporary state of the field. Eller discusses the major themes, theories, figures and publications, and provides a detailed survey of the essential and enduring relationship between anthropology and psychology. The volume charts the development, celebrates the accomplishments, critiques the inadequacies, and considers the future of a field that has made great contributions to the overall discipline of anthropology. The chapters feature rich ethnographic examples and boxes for more in-depth discussion as well as summaries and questions to support teaching and learning. This is essential reading for all students new to the study of psychological anthropology.
Introduction
Part I: The Development of Psychological Anthropology
1. Psychology in the Formation of Anthropology
2. The Early Culture-and-Personality School
3. The Late Culture-and-Personality School
4. The Cognitive Turn in Anthropology: Ethnoscience and Structuralism
5. Mind in Symbols, Body, and Practice: Psychological Anthropology since the 1970s
Part II: Contemporary Issues in Psychological Anthropology
6. Self and Personhood
7. Emotions
8. Dreaming and Altered States of Consciousness
9. Mental Illness
10. Cognition, Schemas, and Neuroanthropology
Bibliography
Biography
Jack David Eller is Associate Professor (Emeritus) of Anthropology at the Community College of Denver, USA. An experienced teacher and author, he is the author of the major introductory textbook Cultural Anthropology: Global Forces, Local Lives (third edition, 2016). His other titles for Routledge include Introducing Anthropology of Religion (second edition, 2014), Cultural Anthropology: 101 (2015), Culture and Diversity in the United States (2015), and Social Science and Historical Perspectives (2016).
"As in his previous books, Eller’s writing is exemplary. He provides a clear, balanced, and highly accessible overview of psychological anthropology that covers all the bases. Students and professionals will learn much from this volume."
Stephen D. Glazier, Yale University, USA
"Psychological Anthropology vitalises the importance of psychological anthropology in our globalised and rapidly changing times. While the book foremost discusses theoretical developments, it shines by the inclusion of ethnography and wider context. It is a valuable book for both teachers and students."
Anne Sigfrid Grønseth, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
