The author presents a large comparative database derived from ethnographic and architectural research in Southeast Asia, Egypt, Mesoamerica, and other areas; proposes new methodologies for comparative analyses of houses; and critically examines existing methodologies, theories, and data. His work expands on and systematizes comparative and cross-cultural approaches to the study of households and their environments to provide a firm foundation for this emerging line of study.

1 ¿ Introduction.- 2 ¿ A Comparative Method.- 3 ¿ Household Social Reproduction and the Canonical Communication of Habitus.- 4 ¿ Indexical and Social Boundary Communication.- 5 ¿ A Macroregional Approach.- 6 ¿ Conclusion.- Appendixes.- References.