Overview of Social Sciences: Anthropology

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Questions and Answers

What does Franz Boas's theory of cultural relativism emphasize?

Cultural comparisons are valid and meaningful.

All cultures are inherently superior to one another.

Cultures should be understood on their own terms. (correct)

Cultural practices are fixed and unchanging.

Which anthropologist is credited with developing functionalism?

E.B. Tylor

Margaret Mead

Franz Boas

Bronislaw Malinowski (correct)

According to Margaret Mead, how are gender roles defined?

Biologically determined characteristics.

Universal traits shared across cultures.

Fixed traits that do not vary by culture.

Societal influences and expectations. (correct)

What is considered material culture?

Food and clothing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of culture?

Learned and transmitted through heredity Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural variation refer to?

The differences in social behaviors exhibited by cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a formal norm?

Laws enacted against harmful behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Mores are best described as:

Strict norms associated with moral and ethical standards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of cultural anthropology?

Cultural variation across different societies Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of anthropology focuses on the origins of humans?

Physical anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural relativism advocate?

Every culture has its own context and value Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes ethnocentrism?

Belief in the superiority of one’s culture Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of American anthropology?

Franz Boaz Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the psychological disorientation experienced when immersing oneself in another culture?

Cultural shock Signup and view all the answers

What does the anthropological perspective of holism emphasize?

Understanding the interconnectedness of various aspects of human experience Signup and view all the answers

Edward Burnett Tylor believed that cultural customs and beliefs are passed down through what process?

Cultural inheritance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social Sciences encompass various disciplines that analyze the functions of society and interactions among individuals and institutions.

Anthropology

Systematic study of biological, cultural, and social aspects of humans.

Branches of Anthropology

Archaeology: Examines prehistoric societies via artifacts.
Cultural Anthropology: Investigates cultural variations among societies.
Linguistic Anthropology: Explores language and discourse's role in shaping societies.
Physical Anthropology: Studies human origins and evolution; also termed biological anthropology.
Social Anthropology: Focuses on social patterns and cultural variations.

Anthropological Perspective

Holism: Anthropology adopts a holistic view, investigating family structure, conflict resolution, religious beliefs, and more.
Cultural Relativism: Advocated by Franz Boas, emphasizes understanding cultures on their terms rather than through a superior lens.
Ethnocentrism: The belief in one's cultural superiority.
Xenocentrism: The belief in the inferiority of one's own culture, often illustrated by colonial mentality.
Culture Shock: Experiencing psychological disorientation when entering a foreign way of life.
Comparison: Analyzing ideas and practices across cultures, such as gender roles or religious conflicts.

Key Figures in Anthropology

Edward Burnett Tylor: Founder of cultural anthropology; proposed that cultural customs evolve and are passed down.
Franz Boas: Pioneered modern anthropology and cultural relativism, arguing cultures must be understood in their unique contexts.
Bronislaw Malinowski: Developed functionalism, noting that every cultural element serves a societal function.
Margaret Mead: Influential cultural anthropologist who highlighted societal influences on gender roles and child-rearing practices.

Definitions and Concepts

Culture: A complex whole that includes beliefs, practices, values, norms, knowledge, and shared symbols.

Types of Culture

Material Culture: Physical objects like food, clothing, and architecture.
Nonmaterial Culture: Intangible elements shaping behavior, such as values and norms.

Characteristics of Culture

Dynamic, flexible, and adaptive to changes.
Shared among members but can be contested.
Learned and transmitted through socialization and enculturation.
Integrated yet sometimes unstable.
Relies on language and communication forms.

Cultural Variation

Refers to diverse social behaviors exhibited by different cultures globally.

Elements of Culture

Norms: Standard behaviors expected within a society.
- Formal Norms: Include mores and laws.
  - Mores: Strong norms governing moral behavior (e.g., views on premarital sex).
  - Laws: Regulated norms intended to protect society (e.g., 1987 Constitution).
Informal Norms: Unwritten rules that guide everyday interactions.

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Description

Explore the diverse branches of anthropology and their significance within the social sciences. This quiz covers the systematic study of humans, including cultural, linguistic, and physical aspects, as well as key anthropological perspectives like holism and cultural relativism. Test your knowledge of how these elements shape societal interactions.