Marvin Harris
Marvin Harris was an American anthropologist known for his work in cultural materialism. He made significant contributions to the understanding of cultural practices and their relationship to economic and environmental factors.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Cows, Pigs, Wars And Witches: The Riddels Of Culture
The Riddles of Culture
This thought-provoking exploration delves into the seemingly irrational aspects of human culture, offering a compelling analysis of how economic and environmental factors shape societal norms and practices. By examining various cultural phenomena, such as the sacred status of cows in India, the taboo against pork in the Middle East, the origins of warfare, and the persecution of witches in Europe, the book argues that these cultural riddles are not random but rather adaptive responses to specific ecological and social conditions. Through a materialist lens, it challenges readers to reconsider the underlying reasons behind cultural traditions and beliefs, revealing the intricate interplay between human behavior and the environment.
The 16513th Greatest Book of All Time