The human career : the self in the symbolic world /

Intended as the outline of a dynamic alternative to what Goldschmidt sees as current static social theory (without, however, recognizing the importance of Weberian, agent-focused theory). His key concepts are development, encounters, and adaptation. He reviews the literature on the emergence of symbol-using by humans and the mechanisms through which particular cultural orientations are transmitted to children. Several institutions (the potlatch, rites of transition, witchcraft beliefs) are explored for their power to shape human sentiments and to allow for the development of selfhood and prestige. Particularly clear and useful is the discussion of changes in basic social features (kinship systems, family structures, political organizations) as adaptations to new conditions of life. Goldschmidt demonstrates not any particular general claims, but rather the value of a dynamic orientation in understanding diverse areas of anthropological research. Undergraduate readers. -J. R. Bowen, Washington University