Cultural Anthropology Unit 1: What is Culture?

Questions and Answers

What are the fields of Anthropology?

Evolution

Archaeology

Physical

Linguistics

All of the above (correct)

What is culture?

A system of values and behavioral patterns created to survive.

Why do humans create culture?

To survive

What are the elements in all cultures?

Adaptive, Shared, Integrated, Enculturation, Socially Learned, Dynamic, and Unconscious Signup and view all the answers

If all cultures possess the same elements, why then does culture vary?

Culture varies externally because it adapts to the geography of each region and internally because every society integrates its elements differently. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between values and behavior?

Behavior is the outward reflection of what a society believes and values. Signup and view all the answers

Why do cultures change?

Culture is dynamic and always changing. Signup and view all the answers

Define Physical/Biological Anthropology.

The study of biological evolution of the human species. Signup and view all the answers

Define Archaeology.

The investigation of the human past by studying human remains. Signup and view all the answers

Define Cultural Anthropology.

The study of contemporary and historically recent human societies and cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Define Linguistics.

The study of human language. Signup and view all the answers

Define Applied Anthropology.

Solving the problems of modern society. Signup and view all the answers

Define Primatologist.

The study of non-human primates. Signup and view all the answers

Define Paleoanthropologist.

The study and investigation of old human biological evolution. Signup and view all the answers

Define Cross-Cultural Researcher.

Uses field data from many societies to examine the scope of human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Define Ethnology.

The study of contemporary and historically recent human societies and cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Define Field-Work.

To observe and collect information about a different culture. Signup and view all the answers

Define Forensics.

Tests and studies of evolution conducted through physical/biological anthropology. Signup and view all the answers

Define Human Variations.

The range of possible values for any measurable characteristic, physical or mental, of human beings. Signup and view all the answers

Define Holism.

Integrated. Signup and view all the answers

Define Relativism.

When you need to look at a culture through its own view. Signup and view all the answers

Define Participant-Observer.

A technique of field work in which an investigator studies the life of another group or culture by sharing its activities. Signup and view all the answers

Define Adaptive.

Enhances our chances of survival. Signup and view all the answers

Define Enculturate.

The process by which a person learns to adapt to the customs or requirements of his social group. Signup and view all the answers

Define Socialization.

The process by which individuals learn to appropriately interact with other members of their society. Signup and view all the answers

Define Values.

The qualities that a society wants to uphold. Signup and view all the answers

Define Norms.

Standards for behavior shared by a group of people. Signup and view all the answers

Define Worldviews.

A lens that you look through to get a view of the world. Signup and view all the answers

Define Folkways.

Customs/traditions/decisions that we do naturally. Signup and view all the answers

Define Mores.

Values that we go by that shouldn't be broken. Signup and view all the answers

Define Subcultures.

Groups of people within a society that share culturally different values and norms than the rest of society. Signup and view all the answers

Define Maladaptive.

Decrease our chances of survival. Signup and view all the answers

Define Achieved.

Earned through your own efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anthropology Fields

Key branches include Evolutionary, Archaeological, Physical, Linguistic, and Applied Anthropology.

Understanding Culture

Defined as a system of values and behaviors that facilitate survival.
Essential characteristics: adaptive, shared, integrated, learned through enculturation, socially learned, dynamic, and often unconscious.

Purpose of Culture

Created by humans primarily for survival and adaptability.

Cultural Variability

External variations arise due to adaptation to different geographic environments.
Internal variations are influenced by unique ways societies integrate cultural elements.

Values and Behavior Relationship

Behavior reflects societal beliefs and values, indicating cultural integration.

Cultural Change

Culture is inherently dynamic, continuously evolving and reinventing itself.

Disciplines in Anthropology

Physical/Biological Anthropology: Focuses on biological evolution from early ancestors.
Archaeology: Studies past human life through artifacts and remains (e.g., prehistoric archaeology).
Cultural Anthropology: Investigates both contemporary and historical human societies.
Linguistics: Examines human language, distinct as its own discipline.
Applied Anthropology: Addresses current societal issues, such as healthcare and development.

Specialized Fields

Primatology: Study of non-human primates.
Paleoanthropology: Investigates ancient human biological evolution.
Cross-Cultural Research: Analyzes human behavior across various societies using field data.
Ethnology: A branch of cultural anthropology that involves fieldwork to study cultures.

Methodologies

Fieldwork: Process of observing and collecting cultural information in different settings.
Forensic Anthropology: Analysis of human evolution through physical/biological methods.
Participant-Observation: Technique where researchers immerse themselves in the culture they are studying.

Key Concepts in Culture

Human Variations: The range of measurable physical or mental traits in humans.
Holism: The idea of integrating all aspects of culture into understanding.
Relativism: Understanding a culture based on its own perspectives and values.

Socialization and Values

Enculturation: Learning to adapt to societal customs and requirements.
Socialization: Process of learning to interact appropriately within one’s society.
Values: Qualities that society seeks to uphold and promote.
Norms: Rules and standards for expected behavior based on societal values.

Cultural Practices

Worldviews: Comprehensive perspectives through which individuals interpret life.
Folkways: Everyday customs or behaviors that are often performed unconsciously.
Mores: Strongly held beliefs that are crucial for societal stability; transgressions typically have serious consequences.
Subcultures: Groups with distinct cultural values and norms that differ from mainstream society.
Maladaptive Practices: Behaviors that potentially undermine survival and wellbeing (e.g., smoking, unhealthy lifestyle choices).

Cultural Achievement

Achieved Status: A social position attained through personal efforts and actions.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of culture in this quiz based on Unit 1 of Cultural Anthropology. Discover the fields of anthropology, the definition of culture, its characteristics, and why humans create culture. Test your understanding of the elements that exist in all cultures.