Introduction to Anthropology

Start of Anthropology

Anthropology started in the 19th century due to the expansion of colonial powers and increasing contact with other peoples around the globe.

Franz Boas

Franz Boas, known as the "father of American Anthropology", advocated for cultural relativism, which recognizes the inherent value of different cultures.

Ethnography

Ethnography is an in-depth research method where anthropologists live alongside and participate in the lives of the people they study for extended periods.

Branches of Anthropology

Biological Anthropology: Studies human evolution, genetics, and the biological aspects of human variation.
Cultural Anthropology: Examines cultural diversity, social organization, belief systems, and the impact of globalization on different cultures.
Linguistics: Focuses on the structure and evolution of language, including how it interacts with culture and society.
Archeology: Investigates past societies through the analysis of material remains, such as artifacts, tools, and settlements.

Goals of Anthropology

To understand the diversity of human cultures and the processes that shape them.
To contribute to a more respectful and equitable world by promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.

Start of Sociology

Sociology emerged as a distinct discipline in the 19th century, primarily in response to rapid social changes like industrialization and urbanization.

Auguste Comte

Auguste Comte, considered the "father of sociology", emphasized the use of scientific methods to study society and believed that sociology could improve society by understanding its workings.

Goals of Sociology

To understand the structures and processes of society, including social organization, social interaction, and social change.
To analyze the impact of social factors on individuals and groups.
To contribute to solutions for social problems.

Politics

Politics refers to the processes by which groups make and enforce decisions, especially through power dynamics, negotiation, and leadership.
Politics involves influencing the distribution of resources, power, and values within a society.
Politics extends to both governmental and non-governmental spheres.

Government

Government refers to the formal institutions and processes through which a society is ruled and organized.
It is responsible for maintaining order, providing services, and implementing public policy.

Three Branches of Government

Legislative Branch: Makes laws (e.g., Congress in the United States).
Executive Branch: Enforces laws (e.g., President in the United States).
Judicial Branch: Interprets laws (e.g., Supreme Court in the United States).

Political Power

Political power refers to the ability to influence the decisions and actions of others, especially within a government or political system.

Political Ideologies

Political ideologies are sets of beliefs about how society should be organized and governed.
Some examples include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and communism.

Public Management

Public management involves the application of management principles and practices to public organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other institutions focused on public service.

Human Rights

Human rights are fundamental and universal rights that belong to all individuals, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, gender, or any other status.
These rights encompass civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

International Relations and Foreign Affairs

International relations focus on interactions between nations and other international actors, such as international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
Foreign affairs refer to a country's relationship with other nations, including diplomatic ties, economic relations, and military cooperation.

Goals of Political Science

To analyze and understand the workings of political systems, including their structure, behavior, and processes.
To explain political phenomena, such as elections, revolutions, and international relations.
To propose solutions to political problems and promote good governance.

Self

Self denotes an individual's personal identity and awareness.

Self-Concept

Self-concept encompasses an individual's thoughts, feelings, and evaluations about themselves. It includes their perceptions of their abilities, values, and beliefs.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debates nature vs. nurture centers around the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to the development of personality, intelligence, and other human traits.

Identity Information

Identity information refers to the values, attitudes, and beliefs that an individual learns from their environment. These factors contribute to their self-concept and personal identity.

Primary Identity

Primary identity refers to the roles and statuses that an individual learns and internalizes as a child. This includes family roles, gender roles, and social class.

Culture

Culture refers to the shared customs, beliefs, values, and practices that develop and are passed down through generations within a group of people.

Enculturation

Enculturation refers to the process of learning and internalizing the cultural norms and values of a society.

Socialization

Socialization is the process of learning societal norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors. It is a lifelong process that shapes individuals and makes them members of society.

Norms and Values

Norms are rules and expectations for behavior within a society.
Values are a society's fundamental beliefs about what is good, right, and desirable.
Norms and values shape the way people interact with each other and influence their actions.