Presents a key collection of both classic and new agenda-setting articles in this central area of anthropology Provides analytic and historical contextual introductions by leading figures in medical anthropology, medical sociology, science studies, social theory and general anthropology .

A Reader in Medical Anthropology: Theoretical Trajectories, Emergent Realities brings together essays that represent the seven key themes that make up today's vibrant field of medical anthropology: the theoretical legacy; phenomenologies of illness and narrative, body and experience; biological citizenship; the biotechnical embrace; the new medical biosciences; global health and medicine; and postcolonial power relations and humanitarian challenges of the contemporary world.

In their introductions, the editors argue that on the one hand emergent realities challenge medical anthropology to change many of its practices and theories; on the other hand, a vital set of theoretical traditions provide comparative moral compasses for current health dilemmas. In this ground-breaking new reader, the contributors demonstrate how medical anthropology is on the cutting edge of new integrative work in anthropology, global health, and the life sciences.