Anthropological Thought From Evolutionism to Postmodernism and Beyond

The volume explores how anthropological ideas emerged. First, in the writings of the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers; after that, by the Renaissance scholars during the 18th century in Europe; and finally, during the mid-19th century, especially after Charles Darwin's theory of biological evolution. It covers the contributions of all the evolutionists of the 19th century. It explores the evolution of anthropological schools, from 'Evolutionism' to 'Diffusionism' and beyond. It also discusses diverse perspectives, such as 'Historical and Dialectical Materialism,' 'Functionalism,' 'Structural-Functionalism,' 'Cultural Ecology,' and 'Cognitive Anthropology. Concepts like Ethnocentrism and culture provide a rich tapestry of anthropological thought. It discusses the lives and contributions of renowned anthropologists, from E.B. Tylor to Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida. This book is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and instructors in social sciences, offering a nuanced understanding of anthropology, sociology, and psychology.

Introduction.- Anthropological Ideas in Historical Perspective.- Evolutionism.- Diffusionism: British, German and American.- Historical Particularism of Franz Boas.- British Social Anthropology: Structure-Functionalism and Functionalism.- Neo-Evolutionism.- New Ethnography.- Materialist Theories in Anthropology.- Postmodernism and Beyond.

Vijoy S. Sahay is the Former Head of the Department of Anthropology, University of Allahabad. He obtained PhD for his fascinating research work on the Nicobar Archipelago under the supervision of Professor L.P. Vidyarthi. He has been passionately teaching anthropological theories and conducting field research among the most primitive tribal groups of the country, particularly the primitive tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Author of a number of books and over 50 research papers, Prof. Sahay is the Founder, Editor, and Editor-in-Chief of the internationally renowned research journal, The Oriental Anthropologist. His latest book is Experiencing Anthropology in the Nicobar Archipelago (2021). Besides visiting and delivering lectures at different universities in India and abroad, Prof. Sahay was a Visiting Fellow at the KwaZulu Natal University, Durban, South Africa; Aarhus University, Denmark; Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Arunachal Pradesh; Vidyasagar University, Midnapore; and Kamaraj University, Madurai. He has also been a member of two important committees constituted by the Government of India for the protection and preservation of the dwindling tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.