Introduction to Anthropology: Subdisciplines

Study Notes

Anthropology Overview

Anthropology derives from Greek, combining “anthropos” (human) and “logia” (study).
It encompasses the study of people across different time periods and locations.

Subdisciplines of Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology: Also called social anthropology, focuses on learned behaviors in specific environments.
- Example: Practices and traditions of the Ifugao in the Cordillera Region.
Linguistic Anthropology: Examines how language shapes social life.
- Example: Languages of Indigenous communities in Mindanao and their cultural implications.
Biological/Physical Anthropology: Investigates human evolution within cultural contexts.
- Example: Genetic diversity studies among various ethnic groups in the Philippines.
Archaeology: Analyzes material remains to understand historical human experiences.
- Example: Excavation of ancient burial sites in Batangas revealing burial jars and ornaments.

The Self and Person in Contemporary Anthropology

Identity formation is influenced by cultural norms, values, and social practices.
Personal self-perception is shaped by community relationships and cultural contexts.
Cultural symbols and rituals significantly impact individual and group identities.
Globalization affects identity adaptation or resistance in diverse societies.

The Self as Embedded in Culture

Awareness of self is deeply connected to cultural influences.
Notable anthropologists Clifford Geertz and Margaret Mead emphasized cultural context in self-perception.

Clifford Geertz Contributions

Symbolic Anthropology: Cultural symbols greatly influence identities.
- Example: Moroccan souks where items symbolize cultural values beyond economic worth.
Cultural Embeddedness: Sense of self is rooted in cultural practices and norms.
- Example: Javanese Shadow Puppet Theater reflects moral ideals influencing cultural identity.
Performance and Interpretation: Identities are expressed and negotiated through social performances.
- Example: Indian classical dance, portraying myths, connects audiences through cultural narratives.

Margaret Mead Contributions

Cultural Relativity: Cultures possess unique norms that shape identities.
- Example: In the Arapesh tribe, nurturing roles are shared equally by men and women, contrasting with Western gender roles.
Socialization and Learning: Individuals acquire cultural norms through social interactions.
- Example: Mead's study of the Manus people illustrates how behavior is learned from community norms.

Description

This quiz explores the foundations of anthropology, focusing on its Greek roots and key subdisciplines. Delve into cultural anthropology and discover how it examines the behaviors, beliefs, and traditions of diverse groups worldwide.