Anthropology Unit 1: Basics of Anthropology

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of anthropologists using the comparative method?

To prove the superiority of one culture over another

To dismiss the significance of cultural differences

To identify commonalities and differences between cultures (correct)

To impose Western values on non-Western societies

What is the term for judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture?

Holistic Approach

Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism (correct)

Fieldwork

Which subfield of Biological Anthropology focuses on the study of ancient humans through fossils?

Paleoanthropology (correct)

Physical Anthropology

Primatology

Forensic Anthropology

What is the main objective of fieldwork in anthropology?

To immerse oneself in a community to gather data and understand their way of life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a topic of study in Cultural Anthropology?

Physiological Processes Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the famous ethnography 'Coming of Age in Samoa'?

Margaret Mead Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of Forensic Anthropology?

Identifying human remains in legal contexts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the holistic approach in Anthropology?

Integrating biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of human adaptability in anthropology?

Biological adaptation to different environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of excavation techniques in archaeology?

To systematically uncover and document artifacts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a topic in linguistic anthropology?

Human Development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study of prehistory in archaeology?

The study of human history before written records Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of applied anthropology?

The application of anthropological insights to improve public health outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of language preservation efforts?

To document and maintain endangered languages Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the study 'Language in the Inner City'?

William Labov Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the ancient urban culture in South Asia?

Indus Valley Civilization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anthropology as a Discipline

Anthropology is a holistic discipline that integrates biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives to understand human life.
It involves a comparative method, comparing cultures and societies to identify commonalities and differences.
Fieldwork is a central aspect of anthropology, involving immersive, long-term engagement with the communities being studied.

Major Branches of Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology studies human cultures, past and present.
It involves the study of kinship systems, rituals and religion, economic systems, and other aspects of culture.
Key concepts in cultural anthropology include ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, and ethnographies.
Famous ethnographies include "Coming of Age in Samoa" by Margaret Mead and "Argonauts of the Western Pacific" by Bronisław Malinowski.

Biological (or Physical) Anthropology

Biological anthropology studies human evolution, genetics, and biological variation.
Subfields of biological anthropology include paleoanthropology, primatology, and forensic anthropology.
Important concepts include evolution and natural selection, genetics, and human adaptability.
Notable examples include the discovery of "Lucy," an Australopithecus afarensis, and Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees.

Archaeology

Archaeology studies human past through material culture and artifacts.
Methods include excavation techniques, dating methods like radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, and analysis of artifacts.
Notable archaeological sites include the Indus Valley Civilization, Machu Picchu, and ancient urban cultures in South Asia.
Topics of study include prehistory, material culture, and settlement patterns.

Linguistic Anthropology

Linguistic anthropology studies language and its relationship to culture and society.
Key concepts include language and identity, language change, and sociolinguistics.
Notable studies include "Language in the Inner City" by William Labov and "The Ethnography of Speaking" by Dell Hymes.
Topics of study include language preservation, bilingualism and multilingualism, and language acquisition.

Applied Anthropology

Applied anthropology applies anthropological insights to real-world problems.
Fields of application include public health, urban planning, and environmental conservation.
Applied anthropologists work in government, NGOs, and private organizations to develop culturally sensitive solutions.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of Anthropology, including its holistic approach, comparative method, and major branches. Perfect for CUET PG entrance exam preparation.