Social Anthropology and Structure
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of scientific analysis regarding social relationships, according to the text?

  • Identifying the general or normal form of relationships. (correct)
  • Recording every specific interaction between individuals.
  • Analyzing the variations in individual behaviors.
  • Focusing on the dynamic changes in actual social interactions.

Social structure is a static entity that does not change over time.

False (B)

What is the difference between 'actual relations' and 'structural form'?

Actual relations refer to the specific interactions between people that may vary, while structural form is the general or normal pattern of these relationships.

The text compares the continuity of social structure to that of an ________ body, highlighting its dynamic nature.

<p>organic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a community if you revisit it after ten years?

<p>The actual members and their relations may have changed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The structural form of a society is immune to any changes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for social scientist to focus on the structure rather than individual relations mentioned in the text?

<p>Focusing on structure allows for the identification of general patterns and forms abstracted from the variations of individual relations, providing a more scientific understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their descriptions

<p>Actual relations = Specific interactions between individuals that vary. Structural form = General or normal pattern of relationships, abstracted from variations. Dynamic continuity = Social structure that is constantly renewed and changes over time. Static structure = A structure that does not change over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the connections between individuals within a society?

<p>Social relations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A Chinese village can be considered a society on its own.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of 'social personality'?

<p>It is the position occupied by a human being in a social structure, encompassing their social relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of social structures can include analyzing communities such as __________ and St.Denis.

<p>Suye Mura</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following communities with their respective researchers:

<p>Suye Mura = Dr. John Embree St. Denis = Dr. Horace Miner</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do sociologists face regarding the definition of 'society'?

<p>Societies are often interconnected and difficult to categorize. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Humans are only studied as biological organisms, without consideration for their social relationships.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Every human being living in society is considered to be both an individual and a __________.

<p>person</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does social anthropology primarily study according to the provided definition?

<p>Social relations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the definition provided, social anthropology is synonymous with the study of culture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to denote the network of existing relations among individuals in social anthropology?

<p>social structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of studying social structures?

<p>To discover the characteristics of social structures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In social anthropology, the study of human behavior includes acts of speech and the material products of past ________.

<p>actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their accurate descriptions:

<p>Social Anthropology = Study of human society Social Structure = Network of actual relations Cultural Phenomena = Abstractions, often vague Natural Science = Systematic investigation of the universe</p> Signup and view all the answers

Social structures have no connection with individual organisms.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What class of phenomena do social phenomena belong to?

<p>Natural phenomena</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes what social anthropologists are NOT concerned with?

<p>Culture as an abstraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observable facts do social anthropologists focus on when studying communities?

<p>Acts of behavior and speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

Social structures consist of a network of __________ among individuals.

<p>relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'social structure' is described as a static entity in social anthropology.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Social Structure = Network of individual relations Social Phenomena = Distinct class of natural phenomena Physiological Phenomena = Biological processes in organisms Psycho-logical Phenomena = Mental processes in individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of science deals with the structure of atoms?

<p>Atomic Physics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'social structure' is used in a single, clear sense among sociologists.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In studying social structures, what is emphasized instead of individual relations?

<p>The network of relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the notion of the Functional School of Anthropology?

<p>Professor Malinowski (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A.R. Radcliffe-Brown believes that there is a valid place for orthodoxies and heterodoxies in science.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does A.R. Radcliffe-Brown refer to as the theoretical natural science of human society?

<p>Social anthropology</p> Signup and view all the answers

Professor Malinowski described the idea of the Functional School as stemming from his own sense of ________.

<p>irresponsibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their contributions:

<p>Professor Malinowski = Introduced the term 'Functional School of Anthropology' Professor Lowie = Identified Franz Boas as a leading exponent of functionalism Professor Boas = Influenced the development of functionalism A.R. Radcliffe-Brown = Conceptualized social anthropology as a natural science</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does A.R. Radcliffe-Brown believe is essential for understanding social phenomena?

<p>Observation and reasoning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A.R. Radcliffe-Brown supports the idea that it is not profitable to apply natural science methods to social phenomena.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary importance according to A.R. Radcliffe-Brown: the subject or the name of the discipline?

<p>The subject</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social anthropology according to the content?

<p>Study of social structures and relationships (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person's social personality remains static throughout their life.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two types of communities where social anthropologists conduct their research.

<p>Primitive and modern societies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A social structure is made up of ___________ which are the units of which it is composed.

<p>persons</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is comparison essential in social anthropology?

<p>To validate hypotheses by referencing multiple societies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Field research is unnecessary for understanding social structures.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between individual and social structure according to the content?

<p>They are interdependent; one cannot be studied without the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Functionalism in Anthropology

A perspective in anthropology that emphasizes the interconnectedness and functions of social elements, aiming to understand how societies maintain stability and order.

Social Anthropology as a Natural Science

A social scientist studies human societies using scientific methods, much like those used in the physical and biological sciences.

No Place for Dogmas in Science

There should be no strict adherence to specific doctrines or schools of thought in science. Instead, focus on the scientific method and open inquiry.

Cooperation in Science

The process of cooperation in scientific research involves sharing ideas, building on previous work, and collaborating on similar problems.

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Building upon Past Work

Scientists build upon the work of their predecessors, identifying new problems and contributing to a growing body of knowledge through observation and reasoning.

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Contribution to Theory

Social anthropologists, like other scientists, aim to contribute to a body of theoretical knowledge through their research and findings.

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Comparative Sociology

The study of social phenomena using comparative methods, drawing from diverse cultures and societies.

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Teacher's Role in Science

The role of a teacher is to guide students in learning and applying scientific methods, not to impose their own views or create followers.

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Scientific Branches & Structure

Branches of science focused on the structure of specific entities, like atoms, molecules, or organisms.

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Structure in Science

The specific arrangement of elements within a system, like atoms in a molecule or cells in an organism.

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Social Structure Science

A branch of science dedicated to understanding the structure of societies and how individuals interact within them.

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Social Anthropology (as defined by the author)

The study of human society, focusing on the forms of association and social relationships between individuals.

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Social Phenomena

Social events and patterns that are influenced by the way a society is organized.

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Social Structure vs. Organism

Comparing social structures to the organized arrangement of biological components, like cells in an organism.

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Social Structure

The observable, concrete network of social relationships that exist within a human group.

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Ethnology

The study of the material products and practices of a culture, often focusing on their historical and cultural significance.

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Social Structure & Behavior Influence

The idea that social events are a result of how society is organized, not just individual behavior.

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Social Relations

The network of relationships between people within a society.

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Natural Science

The systematic investigation of the natural world using observation and experimentation.

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Psychology

The study of the human mind and its processes, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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Social Network Study

The study of social relations as a complex network, not just isolated interactions.

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Culture (as described in the text)

In this context, culture refers to the abstract idea of customs, beliefs, and values of a group - not concrete objects or behaviors.

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Acts of Behavior

The acts of individuals within a society, including their movements, speech, and interactions.

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Actual Social Structure

The actual relationships between individuals, groups, or organizations in a society. This includes their specific interactions, connections, and positions.

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Structural Form

The abstract, general pattern of relationships and positions within a society. This is the underlying form of the structure, independent of specific individuals or events.

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Dynamic Continuity

The continuous process of change and renewal within a social structure. Members enter and leave communities, relationships change, and social roles shift.

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Actual Structural Changes

The change in the actual structure of a society over time, including births, deaths, migrations, marriages, and divorces.

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Structural Form Stability

The ability of a social structure to maintain its underlying form over time despite changes in membership and relationships.

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Structural Form Change

Significant shifts in the structural form of a society, often characterized by sudden and drastic changes. Revolutions and conquests are examples.

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Spatial Aspect of Social Structure

The spatial aspect of social structure refers to how relationships and positions are distributed geographically. This can include factors like proximity, distance, boundaries, and how these factors impact social interactions.

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Social Personality

The unique set of social roles and relationships that an individual occupies within a social structure.

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Society

A group of people sharing common values, beliefs, and practices, with a distinct sense of identity and shared history, residing in a geographically defined area.

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Defining a Society

The difficulty in clearly defining the boundaries of a society due to the interconnectedness of individuals and groups across geographical borders.

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Comparative Social Structure

The study and comparison of various social structures from different regions to understand their similarities and differences.

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Individual

A focus on the individual as a biological organism, studying their physical and mental processes.

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Person

A focus on an individual's social relationships and their position within a community.

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Individual and Person

The recognition of every human being as both a unique biological individual and a social being with a defined role within a community.

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Social Anthropology

The study of how individuals interact, think, and behave in social contexts.

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Intensive Study of Single Societies

The study of a single society in detail to understand its unique features.

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Systematic Comparison of Societies

Comparing different societies to identify patterns, variations, and commonalities in social structures.

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Field Research

Field research conducted by social anthropologists to observe and collect data on social structures in real-world settings.

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Ethnographical Descriptions

Written accounts of cultures and societies, providing insights into their social structures and practices.

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Social Anthropology as a Science

The application of scientific methods to study human societies, emphasizing objectivity, observation, and testing hypotheses.

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Study Notes

Social Structure

  • Radcliffe-Brown's view of social anthropology is as a theoretical natural science of human society, investigating social phenomena using methods akin to the physical and biological sciences
  • He advocates for comparative sociology as an important subject focus
  • The term "Functional School" is a myth, created by Malinowski, and he doesn't identify as a member
  • Social anthropology is the study of human social relations and associations, not culture
  • Social structure is the network of existing social relations. This is the fundamental aspect of social anthropology
  • The study of social structure involves observing the patterns of individual behavior within social groups
  • Social phenomena are distinct and connected to social structures, either implied within them or resulting from them
  • Social structure is dynamic; it continuously adapts and changes but often maintains a consistent fundamental form
  • Social structure involves the spatial aspects of social relations
  • Social structure includes social relations between individuals (e.g., kinship), the differentiation of individuals or classes by social role, and the spatial distribution of social roles
  • The study of social structure is crucial for understanding human societies, including their economic institutions, legal systems, and religious beliefs, examining them within the context of a social structure
  • Social structure is constantly being renewed
  • Social structure is the foundation for the functioning of social relations in any given society
  • Social anthropologists must study social relations (e.g., kinship, language, law) to fully understand social structures
  • Social institutions are the machinery that allows the structure to operate effectively

Social Structure and Methodology

  • Social structure is differentiated from social relations
  • Both involve the study of the relationships and interactions within a society
  • Radcliffe-Brown argues that social structure's importance in social anthropology has been overlooked or underestimated by some
  • Social anthropology has the objective of comparing different societies and understanding social phenomena.
  • Detailed study of a social group is also important, alongside comparison of such groups for understanding structural patterns and relationships
  • A detailed study of a particular social group or community helps in identifying the specific general or abstract form underlying social relations and thus the nature of the social structure.
  • Studying social structure demands both the observation of concrete reality (identifying patterns) and the identification of underlying social structures and forms (identifying general patterns)
  • Important areas of social structure to study include language, economic systems, and social institutions (such as law and magic), paying attention to the connections between these elements to better understand the society as a whole.
  • Defining social structure is a crucial scientific aspect to investigate, with scientific classification providing significant insights.
  • An understanding of social structure allows for insights into the way societies function

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Related Documents

On Social Structure PDF 1940 Royal Anthropological Institute

Description

Explore the key concepts of social structure as defined by Radcliffe-Brown in social anthropology. This quiz focuses on the significance of social relations and the dynamics of social phenomena in understanding human associations. Test your knowledge on comparative sociology and the evolution of social structures.

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