Anthropology Overview and Culture Definition

Questions and Answers

How do anthropologists define culture?

As sets of learned behavior and ideas that human beings acquire as members of society.

In what ways is the anthropological definition of culture different from other, less specialized definitions of culture?

It is central to explanations of why human beings are what they are and why they do what they do.

Describe the main subfields of modern anthropology.

Biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology.

What sorts of research projects might require anthropologists from two or more of these subfields to work together?

Excavation of artifacts or mummified human remains on sacred lands. Signup and view all the answers

What are the connections between applied anthropology and the other branches of anthropology?

Applied anthropology draws on information provided by the other four specialties. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the effects of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism on an individual's perception of another culture.

Ethnocentrism leads to viewing one's own culture as superior, while cultural relativism aids in understanding and appreciating other cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Is there a cultural practice that you do not understand? Could cultural relativity help you to understand this practice?

Yes, the practice of cannibalism. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between Culture (with a capital C) and cultures (with a lowercase c) by providing an example of each. What does this difference reflect for anthropologists?

Culture is an attribute of the human species as a whole, while cultures refer to specific ways of life. Example: Culture (C) - human adaptability; cultures (c) - traditions of specific communities. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the case study on Inuit Christianity with the five key attributes of culture in mind (learned, shared, patterned, adaptive, symbolic). Which attributes are discussed, and how does the case study highlight them?

Details missing. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish among language, speech, and communication. Explain the significance of these differences.

Language is a system of symbols; speech is verbal expression; communication includes non-verbal messages. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Culture

Culture consists of learned behaviors and ideas acquired by individuals as members of society.
It enables humans to adapt to and transform their environments.

Unique Aspects of Anthropological Culture Definition

The anthropological definition emphasizes human behaviors and motivations, distinguishing it from broader and less specialized definitions.

Subfields of Anthropology

Biological Anthropology: Examines changes in physical features, life processes, human origins, genetic variation, and inheritance in current populations.
Cultural Anthropology: Studies changes in beliefs, behaviors, and objects influencing human development and society.
Linguistic Anthropology: Investigates language relationships with human behavior, thought, and various domains (cultural, historical, biological).
Archaeology: Analyzes material remains from prehistoric and historic human pasts, including civilizations without written records.

Collaborative Research Projects

Projects like excavating artifacts or mummified remains on sacred lands may require expertise from multiple anthropological subfields.

Connections with Applied Anthropology

Applied anthropology integrates knowledge from biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological anthropology, highlighting the interdependence of these specialties.

Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism: Involves viewing one's own culture as natural or superior, potentially leading to efforts to change or convert others.
Cultural Relativism: Encourages understanding and evaluating other cultures on their own terms, fostering empathy and appreciation.

Understanding Cultural Practices

Personal challenges in understanding certain cultural practices, like cannibalism, can be addressed through cultural relativism to gain insight and respect for their context.

Culture vs. Cultures

Culture (C): Represents the collective attributes of the human species as a whole.
cultures (c): Refers to specific, learned ways of life belonging to particular groups.
This distinction aids anthropologists in analytical and politically progressive discussions.

Case Study: Inuit Christianity and Cultural Attributes

Summarize the Inuit Christianity case study while considering the five key attributes of culture: learned, shared, patterned, adaptive, and symbolic. Reflect on which attributes are most prominent in the case.

Language, Speech, and Communication

Language: A system of arbitrary symbols for encoding and conveying experiences.
Speech: Refers to verbal messages.
Communication: Encompasses gestures, postures, facial expressions, and non-verbal vocalizations, integral for conveying emotions and identities.

Description

Explore the definition of culture and its implications within society, focusing on the unique aspects of anthropological culture. This quiz covers the major subfields of anthropology, including biological, cultural, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology.