Questions and Answers
What are the fields of Anthropology?
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?
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If all cultures possess the same elements, why then does culture vary?
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What is the relationship between values and behavior?
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Why do cultures change?
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Define Physical/Biological Anthropology.
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Define Archaeology.
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Define Cultural Anthropology.
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Define Linguistics.
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Define Applied Anthropology.
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Define Primatologist.
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Define Paleoanthropologist.
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Define Cross-Cultural Researcher.
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Define Ethnology.
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Define Field-Work.
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Define Forensics.
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Define Human Variations.
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Define Holism.
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Define Relativism.
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Define Participant-Observer.
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Define Adaptive.
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Define Enculturate.
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Define Socialization.
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Define Values.
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Define Norms.
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Define Worldviews.
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Define Folkways.
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Define Mores.
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Define Subcultures.
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Define Maladaptive.
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Define Achieved.
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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.