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Considerable tension among the subfields has existed within the discipline of anthropology. As a result, some anthropology departments have splintered, and the hallmark "holistic approach" of anthropology has been considered more myth than reality. However, as promoted by the American Anthropological Association and the American Anthropologist for over one hundred years, enhancing the holistic nature of anthropology remains an important and necessary endeavor. This article provides an introduction to this special issue of the American Anthropologist, which focuses on the subfield of biological anthropology. Hopefully, as a result, increased connections among the subfields will be fostered, for the betterment of both biological anthropology and anthropology in general. The underlying theme of this article and the subtext for the entire special issue is clear: Biological anthropology needs anthropology, and anthropology needs biological anthropology. [Keywords: biological anthropology, subfields, four‐field approach, holistic]

G. Gunn reviews the book "Lao peasants under socialism" by Grant Evans. Gunn notes that Evans broaches a relatively traditional study of Lao peasant anthropology with the household as the unit of analysis, but, moving beyond ethnography per se, he (Evans) also makes important statements on the wider dimensions of peasant-state relations and human nature as well as engaging broader debates on anthropological theory. (DÜI-Sen)

This authoritative guide offers readers a comprehensive look into the world of anthropology and its related sciences. The book covers the essential areas of the field, including its history. The major branches of the field are also discussed, including cultural and social anthropology as well as archaeology. It also explores the study of the discipline around the world through urban, medical, and applied anthropology. This is a perfect resource for anyone interested in world cultures and the history of different peoples.

What is anthropology? -- Research methods in anthropology -- Genetics and evolution -- Human variation and adaptation -- Primates: past and present -- The first hominins -- The origins of culture and the emergence of homo -- The emergence of homo sapiens -- The upper Paleolithic world -- Origins of food production and settled life -- Origins of cities and states -- Culture and culture change -- Culture and the individual -- Communication and language -- Getting food -- Economic systems -- Social stratification: class, ethnicity, and racism -- Sex and gender -- Marriage and the family -- Marital residence and kinship -- Associations and interest groups -- Political life: social order and disorder -- Religion and magic -- The arts -- Health and illness -- Practicing and applying anthropology