Edward H. Spicer

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the theoretical contributions to social science and anthropology made by Edward H. Spicer and the context in which he developed his theories of culture. The paper explains Spicer's concept of culture as the idea that people everywhere behave in accordance with patterns which they have learned in the process of growing up in whatever society they have been part of. The paper looks at his theories of how Yaquis behave. Spicer explains how the Yaquis have managed to maintain their cultural identity despite almost overwhelming pressures to submerge it. The writer considers how Spicer's personal background is what influenced him to develop his theories.

From the Paper:

"Spicer's work may at first reading appear to be simplistic, but Spicer has a proven method of instructional narrative well in place; his anthropological expertise is offered in plain-spoken presentation style that is easy for the lay person to digest. In describing his concept of culture, he points out that the slow and "sometimes painful" lessons one learns while growing up with one's own customs and practices have several "important implications.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Officer, James E. Edward Holland Spicer: November 29, 1906 - April 5, 1983. BiographicalMemoirs. National Academies Press, 1995. Available from http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/biomems/espicer.html.
• Spicer, Edward H. Human Problems in Technological Change: A Casebook. New York: The Russell Sage Foundation, 1952.
• Spicer, Edward H. Impounded People: Japanese Americans in the Relocation Centers. UnitedStates War Relocation Authority. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946.
• Spicer, Edward H. People of Pascua. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1988.
• Spicer, Edward H. The Yaquis: A Cultural History. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1980.

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