Urban anthropology – some approaches from studies of West and Southeast Asia

Abstract

Through a brief introduction to urban anthropology, the article exposes important developments in the anthropological study of urban areas. Through an introduction to the history of urban anthropology in the context of the history of social and cultural anthropology, the author highlights some important problems in urban anthropology, based on well-known studies in Southeast Asia and the world. The article also discusses some specific types of methodology used in urban anthropology. Finally, the author introduces some recent studies of urban areas in Vietnam, and discusses the potential for the development of urban anthropology in Vietnam.