
Dynamics of Human Biocultural Diversity
A Unified Approach
Elisa J. Sobo(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Published on 4. February 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
292 pages
978-1-138-58971-1 (ISBN)
Description
This lively text by leading medical anthropologist Elisa J. Sobo offers a unique, holistic approach to human diversity and rises to the challenge of truly integrating biology and culture. The inviting writing style and fascinating examples make important ideas from complexity theory and epigenetics accessible to students. In this second edition, the material has been updated to reflect changes in both the scientific and socio-cultural landscape, for example in relation to topics such as the microbiome and transgender. Readers learn to conceptualize human biology and culture concurrently-as an adaptive biocultural capacity that has helped to produce the rich range of human diversity seen today. With clearly structured topics, an extensive glossary and suggestions for further reading, this text makes a complex, interdisciplinary topic a joy to teach. Instructor resources include an extensive test bank and a study guide.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for the previous edition:'This book is a brilliant contribution to a comprehensive, holistic approach to human variation. Sobo examines the interaction of biology and culture in the context of a broad systems perspective on human communities. With examples ranging from the evolution of our species to how we shape our bodies in response to cultural ideals, she offers a refreshing view of us as biological entities suspended in sociocultural systems - inseparable dimensions of human existence.'
Bill Dressler, University of Alabama
'Being and becoming human is biocultural, and very few books drive that point home as well as this one. With a friendly and engaging narrative, Sobo guides the reader through a meaningful, and anthropological, engagement with humanity. This book should be used as a core text for both introductory anthropology and biocultural courses'.
Agustin Fuentes, University of Notre Dame
'I am delighted to see an introductory text that finally takes seriously the biocultural idea that we are creatures of both biology and culture, moving beyond the tired old nature-nurture dichotomy. Sobo deftly weaves together concepts and examples that students can relate to. She skilfully tackles critical contemporary topics such as globalization, sustainability, inequality, health, and social change'.
Wenda Trevathan, New Mexico State University
'Sobo's remarkable textbook is also a benchmark for the field. The material is deftly presented, immensely accessible, innovative in scope, and poised to advance biocultural approaches in deeply compelling and generative new directions'.
Justin Nolan, University of Arkansas
'Sobo's approach to the study of human diversity is a gracefully written and creative application of the unifying notion of epigenetic complexity. This introductory text is a readable and gripping account of how observable traits of human behaviour (phenotypes) are the product of interactions of numerous sorts, between genes and their own biochemical products, and between biochemical systems, environmental signals, historical realities and mental experiences. Highly recommended!'
Richard A. Shweder, University of Chicago
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
95 s/w Abbildungen, 80 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 15 s/w Zeichnungen, 7 s/w Tabellen
7 Tables, black and white; 15 Line drawings, black and white; 80 Halftones, black and white; 95 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
598 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-138-58971-1 (9781138589711)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
02/2020
2nd Edition
Routledge
€215.41
Shipment within 10-20 days

E-Book
01/2020
2nd Edition
Routledge
€65.99
Available for download

E-Book
01/2020
2nd Edition
Routledge
€65.99
Available for download
Previous edition

Book
11/2012
1st Edition
Left Coast Press Inc
€73.22
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Elisa J. Sobo is Professor and Chair of Anthropology at San Diego State University, California, USA. A sociocultural anthropologist specializing in health, illness, and medicine, she is Past President of the Society for Medical Anthropology, and currently Section Convener for the American Anthropological Association.
Content
Preface 1. Anthropology and Complexity 2. Genetic Adaptation 3. Developmental Adjustment and Epigenetic Change 4. Emergence of Culture and People Like Us 5. Global Expansion, Human Variation, and the Invention of 'Race' 6. A Human Baseline 7. Agricultural Revolution: Another Great Divide 8. Epidemics and Immunities 9. Political Economy of Health Disparities 10. Stress, Meaning, and Health 11. Culture in Practice: Embodying Gender 12. Body Ideals and Outcomes 13. Kinship: So Relative Conclusion: Respecting Connections