Theories of Culture in Postmodern Times

Rating:
Summary: A partial account of theories of culture
Review: I found Harris' account of theories of culture not only partial but also misleading. I accept that the author presents and defends his own theory of cultural materialism and his positivist understanding of science. However, I had expected more objective presentations of the various schools of thought and a constructive critic with strengths and limitations of the different contributions in anthropological theory. It is no use to say that Harris does not provide the reader with a clear picture of theories of culture. The interesting aspect of the book however is the range of theories it approaches (even if it is misleading, for example the account of the post-modernists). I would recommend to somebody in search for a more objective and even more complete review of theories of culture in anthropology the book of Paul A. Erickson "A History of Anthropological Theory" and to somebody in search for positivist critics to the recent developments of the post-modern movement the book of Keith Windschuttle "The killing of History".

Rating:
Summary: Anything by Harris is 5 stars
Review: The book seems slightly skimpy, but it's great nevertheless. Harris knows his subject - human culture from the perspective of cultural materialism - inside out. His critique of the Bell Curve is especially astute.

Rating:
Summary: Theories of Culture in Postmodern Times
Review: This man is the top social scientist of his generation. He is still near the top of his form. His critiques of postmodernism and sociobiology, are compelling. The chapter on the fall of the Soviet Union is fascinating (and consistent with his theory of cultural materialism). The book is well worth the read.