Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective

Dec 29, 2008
Paperback
US $49.00
CAN $62.00
UK £30.99
ISBN: 9780813343846
ISBN-10: 0813343844
Published by Westview Press

Description

Widespread awareness of emerging infectious diseases and global environmental change makes the ecological perspective of this premier teaching text for medical anthropology as relevant as ever. Integrating biocultural, environmental, and evolutionary approaches to the study of human health, this fifth edition is now thoroughly revised to reflect new developments in the field. 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. The fifth edition features five new profiles by guest contributors, all leading researchers on health and environment. New topics include community health and disease prevention in urban America; water-borne disease in Ecuador; iodine deficiency in the Himalaya; stress and demographic change in northern Siberia; and participatory action research in Costa Rica. Also included is updated and expanded consideration of refugee health, global aspects of HIV/AIDS, and careers in applied medical anthropology.

Reviews

“I have used Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective on numerous occasions and it is close to my ideal for a textbook in anthropology. Its perspectives in ecology, evolution, and biocultural interpretation are in the forefront of the biomedical and social sciences. I should be proud to have written it myself.”
— Michael Little, Binghamton University, SUNY

“McElroy and Townsend's textbook is a classic, and remains the best overall introduction to medical anthropology available. It is engagingly and clearly written, covering a broad range of topics from biocultural and evolutionary perspectives. I wouldn't consider using any other text to introduce students to this fascinating field of study.”
— Katherine A. Dettwyler, University of Delaware

"The ecological perspective has proven its utility for understanding health and healing across cultures and through the major health transitions. The new edition of McElroy and Townsend retains the classic ecological approach while updating and expanding treatment of the major topics adding illustrative and contemporary case studies; it continues to be in the very first rank of medical anthropology texts.”
— Lawrence M. Schell, University at Albany, SUNY

Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective is one of those rare texts that should be required reading for students in medical anthropology, medical sociology and medical school.
— Heléna Ragoné, University of Massachusetts

McElroy and Townsend continue to provide a complete and authoritative ecological perspective that is essential for interpreting medical anthropology. They have been able to capture the essentials of the discipline in an interesting and informative manner.
— George Armelagos, Emory University

Selling Territory