Allen John Scott Bücher

Why is the U.S. motion picture industry concentrated in Hollywood and why does it remain there in the age of globalization? Allen Scott uses the tools of economic geography to explore these questions and to provide a number of highly original answers. The conceptual roots of his analysis go back to Alfred Marshall's theory of industrial districts and pick up on modern ideas about business clusters as sites of efficient and innovative production.On Hollywood builds on this work by adding major new empirical elements. By examining the history of motion-picture production from the early twentieth century to the present through this analytic lens, Scott is able to show why the industry (which was initially focused on New York) had shifted the majority of its production to Southern California by 1919. He also addresses in detail the bases of Hollywood's long-standing creative energies and competitive advantages. At the same time, the book explores the steady globalization of Hollywood's market reach as well as the cultural and political dilemmas posed by this phenomenon.On Hollywood will appeal not only to general readers with an interest in the motion-picture industry, but also to economic geographers, business professionals, regional development practitioners, and cultural theorists as well.

Medical anthropology seeks to understand human health and illness through diverse perspectives. This core text provides an accessible overview of the field, focusing on a Biocultural approach that examines the interplay of biology, culture, health, and environment in addressing major health issues across societies. Authors Andrea S. Wiley and John S. Allen integrate contemporary biological data with analyses of evolutionary theory and sociocultural conditions that pose challenges to health and survival. The text begins with essential biological information on specific health conditions, then expands to include evolutionary, historical, sociocultural, and political-economic perspectives. Topics include healers and healing, health and nutrition, child development, reproductive health, aging, infectious and behavioral diseases, stress, social inequality, race, and mental illness. Each chapter presents case studies and examples—both current and historical, local and global—that illustrate how a medical anthropological perspective can illuminate health conditions. The text is enhanced with tables, figures, review and critical thinking questions, suggestions for ethnographies, and a glossary to aid student comprehension. The authors emphasize the application of a biocultural approach to enhance prevention and treatment efforts, showcasing the potential of medical anthropology to improve global health outcomes.