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What is anthropology?
The holistic science of man, studying totality of human existence.
Which of the following are subdivisions of anthropology?
What does cultural anthropology study?
Origns, history, and development of human culture.
Cultural anthropology uses intensive _____ investigations.
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Which of the following are ways by which culture is acquired?
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What does the term 'folkways' refer to?
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Mores determine what is considered morally _____ in a culture.
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What are the components of culture?
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Name one factor that promotes cultural diversity.
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Study Notes
Anthropological Perspective of the Self
- Anthropology is the holistic "science of man," encompassing the totality of human existence.
- Derived from Greek "Anthropos" (human) and "logos" (study), it examines cultural and biological similarities and variations among humans.
- Studies human populations across all periods and regions.
Subdivisions of Anthropology
- Two main branches:
- Physical Anthropology: Focuses on biological aspects of humans.
- Cultural Anthropology: Explores the origins, history, and development of human cultures.
Cultural Anthropology
- Involves intensive field investigations to understand human behavior.
- Areas of focus include:
- Political and economic organization
- Law and conflict resolution
- Consumption and exchange patterns
- Kinship, family structure, and gender relations
- Religion, mythology, and socialization practices
- The arts and secret societies.
Definition of Culture
- Culture is a complex whole, including knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and habits acquired as members of society (Edward Taylor).
- It encompasses customary ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving transmitted across generations.
Ways Culture is Learned or Acquired
- Imitation: Duplication of others' behaviors.
- Indoctrination: Formal teaching/training in various settings.
- Conditioning: Learning through reinforcement of behaviors by rewards or punishments.
- Acculturation: Modification of cultures through contact.
- Amalgamation: Intermarriage resulting in biological fusion of different cultural groups.
Components of Culture
- Material Culture: Tangible artifacts and tools created by humans.
- Non-Material Culture: Intangible aspects that include:
- Norms: Guidelines for behavior, divided into:
- Folkways: Informal rules expected to be followed, not seriously offensive if broken.
- Mores: Widely observed moral norms determining acceptable conduct (e.g., lying, stealing).
- Laws: Codified norms with formal sanctions.
- Ideas, Beliefs, and Values: Non-material aspects reflecting societal perceptions and priorities.
- Symbols: Language and other forms of communication.
- Norms: Guidelines for behavior, divided into:
Cultural Diversity
- Represents a wide range of differences in cultural patterns, ideas, and forms of social organization.
- Factors promoting cultural diversity:
- Environmental differences
- Isolation of groups
- Technological advances
- Cultural themes and influences
- Diffusion of cultural elements.
Approaches in Analyzing Culture
- Understanding major values and norms is essential in analyzing cultural dynamics.
- Recognition of how these values and norms shape individual and societal behaviors.
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Description
This quiz explores the anthropological perspective on human existence and cultural variations. Dive into the holistic study of man, covering both biological and cultural aspects throughout history. Enhance your understanding of how anthropology shapes our comprehension of the self.
