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Our Kind

Our Kind

Who We Are, Where We Came From, Where We Are Going
HistoryScience & Nature
Pages
560
Published
1989
Language
English

Synopsis

Marvin Harris explores the origins and development of human societies, examining the forces that have shaped our species from prehistoric times to the present. This comprehensive work delves into the intricate processes of social and human evolution, drawing on anthropology and archaeology to understand 'our kind.

Prose complexity
10/10

Vibe

InformativeIntellectualThought-ProvokingComplex

Genres

History Science & Nature Sociology Science

About the author

M
Marvin Harris

Marvin Harris (August 18, 1927 – October 25, 2001) was an American anthropologist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York City. A prolific writer, he was highly influential in the development of cultural materialism. In his work, he combined Karl Marx's emphasis on the forces of production with Thomas Malthus's insights on the impact of demographic factors on other parts of the sociocultural system. Source: Marvin Harris on Wikipedia (Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 3.0).

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Our Kind connect to Marvin Harris's other works?

    Our Kind serves as a comprehensive synthesis of many of the ideas and theories Marvin Harris developed throughout his career, particularly those related to cultural materialism and the material conditions shaping human societies. Readers familiar with his earlier works like 'Cannibals and Kings' or 'Cultural Materialism' will find this book brings together and expands upon those foundational concepts.

  • Is Our Kind considered a foundational text in anthropology?

    Our Kind is widely regarded as a significant and influential work within anthropology, particularly for its accessible yet rigorous exploration of human cultural evolution from a materialist perspective. It is frequently cited and used in university courses as an introduction to the field's broader theoretical frameworks.