Veronica Strang Livres

Intensifying demands for fresh water are leading to unsustainable pressures on resources worldwide, particularly in Australia, where industrialization and arid conditions exacerbate conflicts over water use. This book draws on extensive ethnographic research in two Australian river catchments, focusing on diverse groups such as indigenous communities, farmers, and environmental organizations. It delves into their varying beliefs and practices concerning water, revealing the cultural meanings embedded in their interactions with the environment and highlighting the complexities of human-environmental relationships.

Exploring the intersection of culture and environmental values, this book delves into why different cultural groups prioritize land and nature in unique ways. It addresses the growing global focus on environmental issues and critiques the effectiveness of traditional mechanistic solutions to ecological challenges. By examining the motivations behind people's care for the environment, it offers insights into fostering a deeper connection between communities and their natural surroundings.

Exploring the multifaceted significance of water, the book delves into pressing issues like the impending water shortages in major cities and the impact of climate change. It addresses the societal trend of choosing bottled water over tap water and scrutinizes the political and environmental controversies linked to water management and privatization. By examining these critical topics, the work offers valuable insights into the global challenges surrounding water, making it essential for anyone interested in this vital resource.

Exploring the relevance of anthropology, the book outlines the diverse career paths available for graduates in the field. It addresses common questions about the practical implications of studying anthropology and how it can be applied in various professional contexts. Veronica Strang emphasizes the skills and knowledge gained through this discipline, equipping readers with insights into its value in the workforce and real-world applications.

Water presents the rich history of human interaction with water, from earliest agriculture to contemporary issues of water resources, global conflict, and disease, health and hygiene. It looks at the physical properties of water, as well as the differences and continuities in humankind's relationship with water over the course of history.

A major, beautifully illustrated exposition of marine serpent beings, which demonstrates how and why some - but not all - human societies have moved from worshipping water to wreaking havoc upon it.