John Whiting is a leading figure in psychological anthropology and one of the pioneers in the development of systematic cross-cultural research. His work is interdisciplinary, and he draws mainly upon the fields of anthropology, psychoanalysis, and learning and behaviour theory. This book includes some of his most influential articles on culture and human development, as well as a comprehensive autobiographical essay. Roy D'Andrade's introduction assesses the unique contributions of John Whiting and locates his work within the contemporary currents of psychological research.
• John Whiting is an eminent anthropologist, and a leading figure in the field of psychological anthropology • The field of psychological anthropology is very much in vogue at the moment; expect good sales, especially in North America • Essays cover topical issues and are well written and accessible
Contents
List of figures; Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction: John Whiting and anthropology Roy G. D'Andrade; Fifty years as a behavioral scientist: autobiographical notes John W. M. Whiting; Part I. Theory and Methods: Introduction; 1. Contributions of anthropology to the methods of studying child rearing with B. B. Whiting; 2. The cross-cultural method; 3. A model for psychocultural research; Part II. Environment and History: Introduction; 4. Environmental constraints on infant care practices; 5. The learning of values with E. H. Chasdi, H. F. Antonovsky and B. C. Ayres; Part III. Moral Development: Introduction; 6. Sorcery, sin, and the superego: a cross-cultural study of some mechanisms of social control; 7. Resource meditation and learning by identification; Part IV. Gender Development: Introduction; 8. The absent father and cross-sex identity with R. V. Burton; 9. Effects of climate on certain cultural practices; 10. Male sex-role resolutions with R. L. Monroe and R. H. Monroe; Part V. Development of Social Behavior: Introduction; 11. Altruistic and egoistic behavior in six cultures with B. B. Whiting; 12. The duration of maidenhood across cultures with V. K. Burbank and M. S. Ratner; 13. Social change in adolescent sexual behavior, mate selection, and premarital pregnancy rates in a Kikuyu community with C. M. Worthman; Bibliography; Complete bibliography of John W. M. Whiting's work; Index.
Review
'Psychologists keen to escape the confines of a narrow laboratory approach to the study of human behaviour should find this volume offers a window to an almost forgotten enterprise relevant to their contemporary concerns.' Times Higher Education Supplement
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