Kategoria BISAC: Social Science >> Human Geography

A major critique of the globalization of the culture principle in anthropology. This study contends that the subjective anthropology promoted through postmodernism represents an extreme development of long established, highly patronizing and misleading evaluations in the anthropologist's creative role in the construction of theory. Arguing that theory building is dependent on the actual study of peoples - a study which is empirically based and historically sensitive - the book advocates the "fieldwork mode of production and reproduction." The simplest model for the construction of...

A scholarly reference work that will also appeal to the general reader, "Sub-Saharan Africa" sets the story of the African environment within the context of geological time and shows how the continent's often harsh conditions prompted humans to develop unique skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, and environmental management. Part of ABC-CLIO's Nature and Human Societies series, this book enables readers to better grasp the extent of humanity's effect on our world.

Of particular interest are the book's sections dealing with the impact of the Biafran famine of the 1960s, the Sahelian...

The melting of the Ice Age glaciers heralded the arrival of the Archaic peoples in the South and the lives of the South's peoples have long been shaped and challenged by the environment. Conversely, the human impact on the South's landscape has been dramatic, from the mound building of Native Americans to the construction of cities and the birth of modern industry.

Part of ABC-CLIO's Nature and Human Societies series, "Southern United States: An Environmental History" explores the historical and ecological dimensions of human interaction with the environment throughout Southern history....

Pakistan occupies a position of geopolitical and strategic importance for the United States. This book explains why, and reveals the reality of this little-studied country. Although Pakistan became a country only in 1947, its people and culture have a rich history. It is a Muslim state, a nuclear power, and a politically troubled land.

Pakistan stretches from the heights of the Hindu Kush to the lowlands of the Indus delta. Its people and culture are as varied as its landscape. This scholarly yet accessible work treats the full range of modern Pakistan. Its thorough examination of the...

Ranging from prehistory to the present and encompassing the whole of South Asia, this volume in ABC-CLIO's Nature and Human Societies series offers the first chronological history of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from the perspective of the crucial reciprocal relationship between humankind and the environment.

"South Asia: An Environmental History" shows how the civilizations of this geographically diverse region were formed (physically, ethically, and culturally) by their interactions with the environment--a relationship with particularly strong social and spiritual...

"Argentina: A Global Studies Handbook" is a revealing look at South America's second largest nation, providing an interdisciplinary introduction to the country's economy, history, geography, politics, government, society, and culture.

"Argentina" spans over five centuries of the nation's evolution--from the arrival of the conquistadors through the years of revolution and independence, from the Peron era and the often difficult post-Peron transitioning, to the surprising success of current president Nestor Kirchner. The book features both narrative chapters on the country's history and...

"Brazil: A Global Studies Handbook" provides an easy-to-access, multifaceted introduction to the world's fifth largest nation--a staggeringly diverse region, socially and geographically, that remains relatively unknown even as it becomes increasingly important on the world stage.

"Brazil" offers an expert chronological narrative summary of over five centuries of South America's largest country--from the days of early Portuguese exploration to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's reelection. In addition, it provides a richly informative section of alphabetically organized entries...

Through a detailed analysis of studies of the effects of planning, comparing low levels of urban containment in California with much higher levels in the UK. Some comparative insights are also drawn from the (pre-conflict) Yugoslavian planning system. The analysis shows that many of the serious criticisms of planning are valid and leads to the conclusion that some sacred cows - notably "green belts" - should be abandoned. This distinctive text is of use to students, researchers and professionals in planning, geography and urban studies.

Although the seemingly apocalyptic scale of the World Trade Center disaster continues to haunt people across the globe, it is only the most recent example of a city tragically wounded. Cities are, in fact, perpetually caught up in cycles of degeneration and renewal. As with the WTC, from time to time these cycles are severely ruptured by a sudden, unpredictable event.

In the wake of recent terrorist activities, this timely book explores how urban populations are affected by 'wounds' inflicted through violence, civil wars, overbuilding, drug trafficking, and the collapse of...

Throughout history, the weather has been both feared and revered for its powerful influence over living creatures. Not only does it control our moods, activities, and fashions, but it has also played a crucial role in broader issues of cultural identity, concepts of time, and economic development. In fact, the weather has become so ingrained in our everyday routines that many of us forget just how profoundly this omnipotent force shapes culture. With the continuing rise in global warming and consequential change in weather patterns, our awareness and understanding of this topic has never...

Throughout history, the weather has been both feared and revered for its powerful influence over living creatures. Not only does it control our moods, activities, and fashions, but it has also played a crucial role in broader issues of cultural identity, concepts of time, and economic development. In fact, the weather has become so ingrained in our everyday routines that many of us forget just how profoundly this omnipotent force shapes culture. With the continuing rise in global warming and consequential change in weather patterns, our awareness and understanding of this topic has never...