The Anthropology of Reproduction: The Basics

Anthropology of Reproduction: The Basics is a clear and accessible guide to topics in reproduction from the perspective of anthropology, emphasizing the central importance of reproduction in human sociocultural and biological experience. It examines why reproduction matters so much to human beings and what anthropology offers to better understand their decisions about having or not having children, and their experiences with periods, infertility, contraception, abortion, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, birth, and care for children. The book shows that all of reproduction is shaped by our evolution, prehistory and history, as well as the cultural, social, political, and economic contexts and conditions that impact our lives. It tells the story of how these conditions enable, support, constrain or coerce reproduction ? and how people around the world survive or thrive within, comply with, or resist against these forces to create their reproductive futures. Its primary goals are to promote:

?       an understanding of human reproduction as sociocultural and biological experience

?       awareness of and attention to the sociocultural, historical, political, and economic contexts and conditions influence the ideas and practices of human reproduction, particularly how social inequities shape reproduction and, in turn, how we can move towards more equal and just reproductive futures.

?       to introduce and reinforce an understanding of anthropology as a discipline taking a holistic approach to human experiences. This student-friendly text provides an overview of the fundamental principles of reproduction and is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject.

It is an essential read for students approaching the subject for the first time, as well as researchers coming to the topic from another discipline in the sciences and humanities.

?The approach is fresh, the writing accessible and engaging. The authors have deep knowledge of the subject and convey it with clarity and enthusiasm [?] Han and Tomori are far and away the best scholars for the job.? ? Carole H. Browner, Co-editor of Reproduction, Globalization, and the State (Duke 2012), UCLA

?Care is taken to situate human reproduction holistically; this is useful not only for students with a background in anthropology ? it gives students in other disciplines a different and more complete picture of human reproduction.? ? Keri Canada, Colorado State University

?Anthropology's holistic approach makes it an ideal discipline for studying reproduction. This text utilizes that comprehensive perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse contexts?political, economic, historical, and racial?to educate readers on social inequalities.? ? Angela Casta?eda, DePauw University