Janet Carsten traces the multiple meanings of blood as it moves from donors to labs, hospitals, and patients in Penang, Malaysia, showing how those meanings provide a gateway to understanding the social, political, and cultural dynamics of modern life.
Exploring the evolving landscape of kinship in anthropology, this book addresses the implications of reproductive technologies, gender dynamics, and societal perceptions of family. It challenges the traditional biological versus social distinction in kinship studies, questioning its relevance in light of technological advancements. By examining contemporary family forms and public anxieties, Janet Carsten offers a fresh perspective on kinship's past, present, and future, appealing to both anthropologists and broader social science audiences.
Exploring the concept of 'relatedness', this book delves into how evolving marriage arrangements, shifting gender dynamics, and advancements in reproductive technologies are reshaping familial and social connections. Anthropologists provide insights into these transformations, examining their implications for identity, kinship, and community structures. Through diverse case studies, the text highlights the complexities of modern relationships and the ways in which cultural practices adapt to contemporary challenges.
Exploring interrelationships, this collection analyzes "house" systems in Southeast Asia and South America. It is inspired by Lévi-Strauss's suggestion that the multi-functional noble houses of Medieval Europe were the best-known examples of a widespread social institution.