Here are some key references and foundational texts in social anthropology that you might find useful:
-
"Argonauts of the Western Pacific" by Bronislaw Malinowski (1922) - A classic ethnographic work that laid the groundwork for participant observation in fieldwork.
-
"The Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture" by Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright (2001) - While primarily focused on visual culture, it offers insights into how anthropology intersects with other disciplines.
-
"The Interpretation of Cultures" by Clifford Geertz (1973) - A collection of essays that emphasize the importance of understanding culture through symbols and meanings.
-
"Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit for a Global Age" by Kenneth J. Guest (2017) - A contemporary introduction to cultural anthropology that addresses modern issues.
-
"We Have Never Been Modern" by Bruno Latour (1991) - Although often categorized under science and technology studies, it has significant implications for anthropology, particularly in understanding the relationship between culture and science.
-
"In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio" by Philippe Bourgois (1995) - An ethnographic study that explores the lives of drug dealers in East Harlem, highlighting issues of race, class, and identity.
-
"Writing Culture: The Poetics and Politics of Ethnography" edited by James Clifford and George E. Marcus (1986) - This anthology examines the narrative style of ethnographic writing and critiques the traditional authority of ethnographers.
If you're looking for something specific within social anthropology, such as particular theories, topics, or methodologies, please let me know!