Economic Analysis in an Anthropological Setting: Some Methodological Considerations in American Anthropologist Volume 71 Number 3

421-433 pages with charts, figures and cited references. Royal octavo (9 1/4" x 6 1/4") bound in original publisher's wrappers. Volume 71, number 3 complete issue. First edition. The substantivist-formalist debate over the applicability of economics to non-Western societies may be illuminated by consideration of the nature of economic analysis. Because this analysis takes as data preferences technical production or exchange possibilities and an inventory of resources, it is shown incapable of being an exhaustive model of a society, but since these patterns interact in any human group, there is always a use for economic analysis in tracing how resources are allocated to needs, whether on a basis of maximization or of fixed targets. Applications of economic analysis to anthropologists' problems and alternative definitions of "the economy" are also considered. Condition: Spine and edges sunned, light edge wear, corners bumped, rubbed and creased else very good.