Anthropology and Cultural Change
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Questions and Answers

What is the role of an anthropologist, according to the passage?

  • To focus on the shared history of all civilizations.
  • To escape from the complexities of modern society.
  • To study the development of different cultures.
  • To compare and contrast different cultures to understand ethics. (correct)
  • How has the focus of anthropology changed over time?

  • It has become more focused on the shared history of all civilizations.
  • It has shifted its focus based on the evolving questions of science and society. (correct)
  • It has become increasingly influenced by modern societal concerns.
  • It has shifted away from cultural comparisons and towards historical analysis.
  • What is the author's view on anthropologists who are drawn to studying distant cultures as an escape?

  • The author views this approach as potentially problematic and misleading.
  • The author does not express a clear opinion on this matter. (correct)
  • The author supports this practice as a healthy way to cope with everyday realities.
  • The author believes that it is a legitimate approach to anthropological research.
  • What does the phrase 'spotted an anthropologist' suggest about the field?

    <p>Anthropology is a diverse and multi-faceted field with varied research interests. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common research topic in anthropology?

    <p>The impact of technology on societal structures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

    <p>To provide a historical overview of the field of anthropology. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can be inferred about the role of history in anthropology?

    <p>History is an essential element in understanding the development of cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is the most desirable characteristic of the people that anthropologists study?

    <p>They should be relatively untouched by the influences of our own civilization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary argument presented in the passage?

    <p>Human behaviors are often considered innate, but research shows that they can be influenced by culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, how does culture influence individual behavior?

    <p>Culture establishes a framework for understanding behavior, shaping individual choices and interpretations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example BEST exemplifies the relationship between culture and individual behavior discussed in the passage?

    <p>The practice of polygamy in certain cultures, influencing family structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the cultural contrasts mentioned in the passage?

    <p>They reveal the limitations of studying human behavior solely within one's own culture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's overall perspective on the relationship between human behavior and culture?

    <p>Culture significantly influences human behavior, shaping our attitudes, beliefs, and actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a factor that can be influenced by culture?

    <p>Physical characteristics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of studying cultural contrasts, as discussed in the passage?

    <p>It provides a more complete understanding of human behavior and how it varies across cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement BEST represents the author's stance on the importance of cultural relativity in understanding human behavior?

    <p>Cultural relativity is crucial for understanding how individuals behave within their respective cultures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main point of the text, as it pertains to the role of anthropology in understanding human values?

    <p>Anthropological studies can provide insight into the relativity of morality and religion by examining different cultures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as contributing to an individual's behavior, according to the text?

    <p>Economic status (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the text, what is a potential danger of using anthropology to study different cultures?

    <p>The study of diverse cultures can lead to the conclusion that all values are equally valid and that no culture is better than another. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's view on the idea that morality and religion are illusions?

    <p>The author believes that this view is a misconception based on a superficial understanding of cultural differences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text suggests that sociology and psychology are limited in their studies of human behavior because:

    <p>They primarily focus on Western societies, neglecting other cultures and traditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest is the key to utilizing anthropology for a more nuanced understanding of human values?

    <p>A comparative approach that considers different cultural practices and their underlying values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text provides an example of the potential dangers of studying different cultures and concluding that all values are relative by discussing:

    <p>The practice of polygamy in some cultures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The author suggests that the misconception of the relativity of values is perpetuated by:

    <p>Stopping short of analyzing data to determine if morality and religion are illusions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most distinctive characteristic of anthropology, according to the provided text?

    <p>Focusing on exotic or unfamiliar cultures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest about anthropologists' view of their own civilization?

    <p>It cannot be fully understood without studying other cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a field of study within anthropology?

    <p>Sociology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the rise of Darwin's theory of evolution impact early anthropology?

    <p>It challenged traditional views of human origins. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text contrasts the study of "strange peoples" with what?

    <p>The study of our own civilization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's primary purpose in this text?

    <p>To explain the importance of studying diverse cultures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest about the diversity of preliterate cultures?

    <p>They represent a wide range of social and cultural variations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The author uses examples of archaeologists, linguists, and physical anthropologists to illustrate what point?

    <p>The different branches of anthropology all study 'strange peoples'. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the 'cosmic scheme' referred to in the text, and how was it discredited?

    <p>The scheme was based on the idea that Western Civilization was the pinnacle of human evolution, disproven by the discovery of cultural diffusion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did anthropologists before the study of diffusion believe about the development of different cultures?

    <p>They believed that cultures developed independently, with no significant influence from other societies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary point made about the study of diffusion in the text?

    <p>It demonstrates the interconnectedness of human cultures through the exchange of ideas and practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following examples is NOT mentioned in the text as evidence of cultural diffusion?

    <p>The adoption of European hairiness and monogamy by other cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the study of diffusion impact the understanding of human history?

    <p>It challenged the notion of separate and independent cultural development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the older theological perspective emphasize?

    <p>The divine origin and absolute truth of our customs, ethics, and religion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's attitude towards the study of diffusion?

    <p>The author is enthusiastic about the study of diffusion and its implications for understanding human history. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between the older anthropological theories and the insights gained from the study of diffusion?

    <p>The older theories focused on cultural evolution, while the study of diffusion emphasized cultural borrowing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the key findings that challenged the idea of distinct evolutionary stages in human cultures?

    <p>Cultural traits, often thought to be indicative of specific evolutionary stages, were found to be distributed unevenly across various cultures, regardless of their overall complexity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best represents the impact of cross-cultural borrowing on societal development?

    <p>It contributes to a dynamic exchange of ideas, creating a more complex and multifaceted global culture. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the findings of physical anthropology contribute to the understanding of world history?

    <p>They helped to reconstruct the history of civilization by shedding light on the interconnectedness and influence of various races. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence did Theodor Waitz use to refute the claim of innate racial disability?

    <p>He pointed out that groups with diverse populations and a history of intermingling races had achieved high levels of civilization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main implication of the statement, "every civilized group ever known has been racially mixed"?

    <p>Racial purity hinders the development of civilization, suggesting that a diverse population is essential for progress. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary argument against the notion of certain races being consistently superior or inferior in terms of civilization?

    <p>All races have the potential to achieve high levels of civilization, given the right conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's overall perspective on the role of race in the development of civilization?

    <p>Civilization is the result of a complex interplay of factors, including cultural exchange, innovation, and historical circumstances, where race does not play a defining role. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the statement "in common with a hundred others the things it most dearly valued" imply?

    <p>The values cherished by a particular culture are often reflected in the values of many other cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Diffusion

    The study of how cultural traits spread across societies.

    Anthropologist's ladder

    A metaphorical structure to rank cultures from primitive to advanced.

    Cultural Evolution Theory

    The idea that cultures evolve in a linear progression toward Western Civilization.

    Natural Plan

    The belief that human societies follow a predetermined evolutionary path.

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    Written records

    Documented history that allows understanding of past societies.

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    Cultural borrowing

    The process by which societies adopt cultural traits from one another.

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    Hermetically sealed evolution

    The notion that cultures develop independently without outside influence.

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    Malagasy cultural traits

    Cultural elements of the Malagasy, showing connections to the Malay peoples.

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    Anthropology

    The study of humans, their societies, and cultures.

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    Archaeologist

    An anthropologist who studies ancient cultures through artifacts.

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    Linguist

    An anthropologist specializing in language and its use.

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    Physical Anthropology

    The branch of anthropology that studies human biological diversity.

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    Cultural Anthropology

    The study of cultural variations among humans.

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    Preliterate Societies

    Groups of people that do not have a written language.

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    Divine Plan

    A theological concept about life’s purpose guided by a deity.

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    Darwin's Origin of Species

    A groundbreaking book published in 1859 on evolution.

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    Cultural Change

    Transformation of culture over time due to various factors such as globalization, technology, and ethics.

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    Ruth Benedict

    An influential American anthropologist known for her studies on culture and ethics.

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    Ethics in Anthropology

    Moral principles that guide the study and interpretation of human behavior and cultures.

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    Influence of Society on Anthropology

    Societal issues shape anthropological questions and perspectives.

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    Anthropological Methods

    Techniques used by anthropologists to gather information, such as fieldwork and participant observation.

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    Cultural Context

    The environment and influences that affect a culture’s development and practices.

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    Diverse Perspectives in Anthropology

    Recognition of multiple viewpoints as anthropologists analyze human behavior and culture.

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    Cultural Determinism

    The idea that culture shapes behavior rather than biology.

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    Human Nature

    Innate characteristics and instincts of humans.

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    Cultural Relativity

    Judging a culture by its own standards rather than another's.

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    Social Transmission

    The process of passing cultural values and norms from one generation to another.

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    Tribal Sanctions

    Social rules or consequences that regulate behavior within a tribe.

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    Accumulation Shame

    Cultural views that may discourage hoarding wealth or property.

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    Pride vs. Humiliation

    Cultural factors can influence whether behaviors are seen positively or negatively.

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    Behavioral Conditions

    Factors like culture that influence how behaviors are perceived and enacted.

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    Social Order

    The set of rules and norms guiding behavior within a society.

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    Idiosyncratic Facts

    Unique characteristics of an individual's life influenced by their cultural background.

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    Relativity of Morality

    The notion that moral standards are not universal but vary across cultures.

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    Polygamy's Role

    The practice of having multiple spouses that can stabilize families in certain societies.

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    Religious Practices as Social Tools

    Activities in religious contexts that can serve social or cultural functions beyond belief.

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    Limitations of Historical Data

    The constraints faced by historians due to reliance on preserved documents rather than direct observation.

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    Cultural Cross-Fertilization

    The process where cultures influence each other through the sharing of inventions and ideas.

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    Shared Cultural Development

    The idea that every race has influenced and borrowed from others in cultural advancements.

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    Racial Mixing

    The concept that all civilized groups are racially mixed rather than having pure races.

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    Theodor Waitz

    The first professional anthropologist who studied race and civilization in 1859.

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    Innate Racial Disability

    The notion that certain races are inherently incapable, which has been disproven by research.

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    Historical Anthropology

    A field focusing on the study of human societies and cultures and their development over time.

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    Civilization and Diversity

    The idea that high civilization arises from a diverse population and cultural contacts.

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    Study Notes

    Anthropology and Cultural Change

    • Ruth Benedict was an anthropologist
    • Anthropologists study material from people worldwide
    • Anthropology studies cultures across time periods
    • The topic of study for anthropology changes over time, depending on what questions are most prominent in society or science
    • Anthropology chooses to study people from different cultures, rather than specializing in one particular civilization
    • Anthropologists dig up remains of tribes and nations that haven't contributed to the current civilization
    • Anthropologists study various languages and cultures around the world
    • The study of anthropology started in the mid-1800s
    • Early anthropology had a focus on evolutionary stages to prove the Natural Plan
    • In the 1800s, some believed cultures progressed through stages to reach Western Civilization

    Cultural Traits

    • The distribution of cultural elements was used to discredit the earlier theories of evolution
    • Cultural traits don't occur at specific levels of cultural development, but are distributed locally
    • Anthropology now focuses on cultural diffusion (people borrowing from one another)
    • Cultural diffusion across time demonstrates migrations/contacts
    • Diffusion shows how human progress is through borrowing, rather than inventing everything

    Race and Civilization

    • Anthropology studies race and its relationship to civilization
    • Anthropologists investigated the "leader" race in civilization, finding no inherent racial disability
    • Every race has its advanced and less advanced societies
    • Race does not determine leadership in civilization
    • Race is a mixed concept in all known civilizations
    • Mixed-race groups have made great civilizations
    • There's no such thing as pure race in any known civilization

    Culture and Personality

    • Studying human behavior in differing cultures is called culture and personality
    • Each society has pressures to conform with certain behaviors and certain things which are valued
    • The study of behavior begins at birth, and includes babyhood, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
    • Cultural behaviors and values are shaped from family and upbringing

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating field of anthropology and its evolution over time. This quiz covers key figures, major concepts, and the shifting focus of cultural studies from the mid-1800s to present. Test your knowledge of how cultural traits and societal questions shape the discipline.

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