Using a cultural materialist approach, the seventh edition of Cultural Anthropology provides a framework for explaining how the parts of sociocultural systems are interrelated and how they change over time.

“Marvin Harris' lifelong commitment to a scientific anthropology shines through in this comprehensive and well-written textbook,” praises one reviewer.

Described as accessible, engaging, well-illustrated, and comprehensive, this text covers a wide range of Western and non-Western cultures for analysis and comparison. “Marvin Harris can continue to bring new insights to the field of anthropology and provide ways to inspire students new to this discipline,” writes a long-time user.

“Cultural Anthropology excels in making anthropology accessible and relevant to today's students. The authors succeed in showing not only what the current status of anthropology is but also the potential of anthropology to explain human culture in all of its diversity and magnificence,” writes another.

For the seventh edition, rReadings from Spradley/McCurdy, Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology, 12/e have been integrated with wherever possible through emic and etic interpretations within the levels of infrastructure, structure and superstructure.  Chapter 9, “Descent, Locality, and Kinship,” has been rewritten to provide more streamlined coverage. Increased use of the universal pattern model through graphics and new content throughout each chapter. The universal pattern model is introduced in Chapter 2 and applied throughout the text to reinforce how differences in civilization impact infrastructure and adaptive patterns.

Enhanced problem-orientation in the new edition capitalizes on this growing trend through interim questions after each section in each chapter.