Studying Anthropology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What features distinguish anthropology from other social sciences?

The study of anthropology focuses on the concept of culture, a holistic perspective, and a comparative perspective.

What is the anthropological concept of culture?

Culture is the learned values, beliefs, and rules of conduct that are shared to some extent by the members of a society.

Define the holistic perspective of anthropology.

The holistic perspective in anthropology views culture as an integrated whole, no part of which can be completely understood without considering the whole.

Define the comparative perspective of anthropology.

The comparative perspective uses data about the behaviors and beliefs in many societies to document both cultural universals and cultural diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is globalization?

Globalization is the spread of economic, political, and cultural influences through modern technology, trade, communication, entertainment, and other forms of contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnocentrism?

Ethnocentrism is the widespread tendency to perceive the ways of doing things in one's own culture as normal and natural. Signup and view all the answers

What is cultural relativism as an approach in anthropology?

Cultural relativism stresses the importance of analyzing cultures in each culture's own terms rather than in terms of the culture of the anthropologist. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four sub-fields of anthropology?

<ol> <li>Cultural Anthropology 2. Linguistic Anthropology 3. Archaeology 4. Biological Anthropology</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is applied anthropology?

Applied anthropology applies the techniques and theories of the field to problem solving outside of traditional academic settings. Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnography?

Ethnography involves the observation and documenting of the behavior of a culture. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Distinctions of Anthropology

Anthropology is characterized by its focus on culture, offering a holistic and comparative perspective.
Holistic perspective: Culture is viewed as an integrated whole; understanding one part necessitates considering the entire context.
Comparative perspective: Involves analyzing data from multiple societies to identify cultural universals and diversity.

Concept of Culture

Culture comprises learned values, beliefs, and conduct rules shared among members of a society, shaping their interactions.
Governs behavior within a community, reflecting social norms and practices.

Globalization

Globalization represents the widespread dissemination of economic, political, and cultural influences facilitated by technology and communication.
Affects the interconnectivity and cultural exchanges among societies globally.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is the inclination to view one’s own culture as the standard, perceiving other ways of life as strange or inferior.
This perspective can lead to misunderstandings and prejudices against other cultures.

Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism emphasizes understanding cultures based on their own values and frameworks, not through the lens of the observer’s culture.
Promotes a more respectful and accurate understanding of cultural practices.

Sub-fields of Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on cultural variations among humans.
Linguistic Anthropology: Studies language and its social and cultural contexts.
Archaeology: Explores past human behavior through material remains.
Biological Anthropology: Examines biology and behavior of humans, and primate relatives.

Applied Anthropology

Applied anthropology utilizes anthropological theories and methods to address real-world problems outside academic contexts.
Integrates knowledge from the four sub-fields to develop practical solutions.

Ethnography

Ethnography is a qualitative research method involving immersive observation to document and understand cultural practices.
Aimed at collecting detailed accounts of how people live and interact within their cultural contexts.

Description

This quiz explores key concepts in anthropology, emphasizing the differentiation of anthropology from other social sciences and the definition of culture. It aims to enhance your understanding of the fundamental aspects of anthropological study.