The ultimate guide for the student encountering anthropology for the first time, Anthropology: The Basics explains and explores anthropological concepts and themes. In this immensely readable book, Peter Metcalf makes large and complex topics both accessible and enjoyable, arguing that the issues anthropology deals with are all around us, in magazines and newspapers and on television. He tackles topics such as: What is anthropology? How the issues of anthropology arise in everyday life. How can we distinguish cultural differences from physical ones? What is culture anyway? How do anthropologists study culture? What are the key theories and approaches used today? How has the discipline changed over time? Decolonizing anthropology.New to this edition are a reframing of gender and feminist theory, discussions of queer anthropology, as well as an entirely new chapter on decolonizing anthropology. This student-friendly text provides an overview of the fundamental principles of anthropology and is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject.