Fieldwork in Anthropology Week 2

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Questions and Answers

Who are the two prominent figures who introduced fieldwork as the definitive method of anthropological research?

Marx and Weber

Evans-Pritchard and Tylor

Durkheim and Geertz

Malinowski and Boas (correct)

What did Evans-Pritchard investigate in his fieldwork?

He investigated the sacrificial role of cattle among the Nuer

Why are the Nuer dependent upon their cattle?

The Nuer's cattle provides milk and meat for them

What does the ox that a son gets from his father at birth provide according to Evans-Pritchard?

The ox provides the son an 'identification' Signup and view all the answers

How do the Nuer imitate their cattle?

The Nuer remove their lower incisors Signup and view all the answers

What is the one exception when the Nuer can kill their cattle?

The Nuer can only kill their cattle as part of the sacrificial process Signup and view all the answers

What is armchair anthropology?

Other anthropologists are gathering ethnography whilst one is reflecting upon all their evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is Tylor's notion of social evolution?

Animism -> polytheism -> monotheism Signup and view all the answers

What is functionalism in the context of religion?

The view that religion holds useful functions Signup and view all the answers

What does 'off the verandah' imply in anthropology?

The need to go off and study the culture oneself Signup and view all the answers

How does religion have positive psychological functions being neither bad nor evil according to Malinowski?

Religion satisfies man's desire for immortality Signup and view all the answers

What is structural-functionalism?

A structure is needed for these functions to be fulfilled Signup and view all the answers

What are three methods to undertake in establishing an ethnography according to Malinowski?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What was Malinowski's field of research?

Canoe 'magic' among the Kula Signup and view all the answers

What is 'ethnographer's magic' according to Malinowski?

The ability to truly understand the natives' point of view Signup and view all the answers

What is the difficulty of carrying out an ethnography according to Malinowski?

The feeling of boredom and loneliness Signup and view all the answers

How is success achieved with ethnography according to Malinowski?

A systematic application of common sense and scientific principles Signup and view all the answers

The _ of _____ is to _ the _ point of

goal, ethnography, grasp, natives', view Signup and view all the answers

How is the launching of the canoe inaugurated according to Malinowski?

The launching of the canoe is inaugurated with kula magic Signup and view all the answers

What is the sagali in Malinowski's research?

The ceremonial distribution Signup and view all the answers

How are the canoes personalised according to Malinowski?

The canoe receives a personal name, painted, and becomes an object of intense interest to the district Signup and view all the answers

How are the canoes protected against the sun?

Plaited coconut leaves protect the canoes Signup and view all the answers

What happens after the launching of the canoe?

A feast takes place Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fieldwork and Armchair Anthropology

Malinowski and Boas are key figures who established fieldwork as a principal method in anthropological research.
Evans-Pritchard's research focused on the cultural significance of cattle among the Nuer people.
The Nuer rely on their cattle for milk and meat, highlighting the economic dependence on this livestock.
An ox given to a son at birth serves as a symbol of identity within Nuer society.
To emulate their cattle, Nuer individuals remove their lower incisors, showcasing cultural practices linked to livestock.
The only circumstance allowing Nuer to kill cattle is during sacrificial rituals, reflecting the spiritual importance of these animals.
Armchair anthropology involves a researcher reflecting on gathered ethnographic data, rather than conducting fieldwork.

Concepts in Anthropology

Tylor proposed a theory of social evolution progressing from animism to polytheism, ultimately to monotheism.
Functionalism posits that religion serves beneficial roles in society, contributing to social cohesion and individual well-being.
The phrase 'off the verandah' emphasizes the necessity of engaging in direct cultural immersion and study.

Malinowski's Contributions

Malinowski argued that religion fulfills psychological needs, particularly the human desire for immortality.
Structural-functionalism suggests that social structures are necessary for fulfilling various societal functions.
Malinowski outlined three methods crucial for effective ethnography: establishing scientific objectives, living among subjects, and applying specific data collection techniques.
His explorations included canoe-related magic in the Kula exchange system, revealing the intersection of spirituality and commerce.
'Ethnographer's magic' refers to the ability to fully comprehend the perspectives of the indigenous populations studied.

Challenges and Goals in Ethnography

Malinowski acknowledged challenges such as feelings of boredom and loneliness encountered during fieldwork.
Success in ethnography is achieved through a methodical application of common sense alongside scientific methodologies.
He stated, 'The goal of ethnography is to grasp the natives' point of view', underlining the importance of understanding cultural perspectives.

Kula Magic and Canoe Practices

Canoe launches are preceded by rituals involving kula magic, emphasizing the integration of cultural beliefs in practical activities.
The sagali refers to the ceremonial distribution associated with Kula exchanges, highlighting social significance.
Personalization of canoes includes naming them and painting them, transforming them into culturally significant objects.
Canoes are protected from sun damage using plaited coconut leaves, demonstrating resourcefulness in material culture.
Following the canoe launch, a feast is held, reflecting communal ties and cultural celebrations.

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Description

Explore the significant contributions of Malinowski and Boas in establishing fieldwork as a key method in anthropological research. This flashcard set covers fundamental concepts from Evans-Pritchard's studies, including the cultural role of cattle among the Nuer community. Test your understanding of these essential anthropological methods and theories.