El desarrollo de la teoría antropológica: una historia de las teorías de la cultura : Book Review

Marvin Harris' book "El desarrollo de la teoría antropológica" (The Development of Anthropological Theory) provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the evolution of anthropology as a discipline. The book explores the key theoretical perspectives and concepts that have shaped the field of anthropology throughout history, offering readers a deep understanding of the subject.

In this book, Harris begins by tracing the origins of anthropological theory, delving into the early belief in cultural evolution and the contributions of scholars such as Lewis Henry Morgan and Edward Tylor. These early theorists laid the foundation for anthropological thought, introducing concepts like cultural relativism and the comparative method.

Harris then proceeds to discuss the significance of structural-functionalism, a dominant theoretical framework in mid-20th century anthropology. He explores the works of influential figures such as Bronislaw Malinowski and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown, highlighting the key ideas and debates within this paradigm.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to examining the emergence of cultural materialism, a theoretical perspective associated with Harris himself. He explains the core principles of cultural materialism, which emphasize the influence of material conditions and economic factors on shaping human culture and social behavior.

Throughout the book, Harris presents a balanced analysis of various theoretical perspectives, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to the field of anthropology. He supports his explanations with numerous examples and case studies, enhancing the accessibility and engagement of the content for readers.

What are readers saying?

Marvin Harris' book, "El desarrollo de la teoría antropológica," has received a range of reviews from readers. The book offers a deep examination of anthropological theory and its evolution throughout history. While some readers praised the book for its comprehensive content and willingness to challenge traditional viewpoints, others found it to be dense and hard to comprehend.

Many readers found the book to be a valuable resource due to its extensive information. They appreciated its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the history and development of anthropological theory. The book's willingness to question conventional wisdom and offer alternative perspectives was also well-received by these readers. They admired the author's knack for drawing connections between various theorists and ideas, making the book more cohesive and engaging.

However, some readers struggled with the book's academic nature. They found the concepts and theories presented to be complex and difficult to follow. Some argued that the book lacked clarity and could be overwhelming for readers who were not already familiar with anthropological theory. These readers believed that simplified explanations and a clearer structure would have improved their reading experience.

The translation of the book was another point of contention among readers. Some felt that it was not as smooth and fluid as they would have preferred, which hindered their understanding. Others pointed out that certain concepts and cultural references may have been lost in translation, making it challenging to fully grasp the author's intended meaning.

In conclusion, "El desarrollo de la teoría antropológica" by Marvin Harris offers a comprehensive exploration of anthropological theory, challenging traditional viewpoints and presenting alternative perspectives. While some readers appreciated the depth and cohesiveness of the ideas presented, others found the book to be dense and difficult to comprehend. Issues with the translation were also noted by some readers.

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