Anthropology Review Material PDF
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Philippine Women's University
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This document provides an overview of various anthropological concepts and studies, including cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. It details key concepts, methods, and focus areas within each branch. It also highlights the contributions of influential figures in the field, such as Franz Boas and Margaret Mead.
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ANTHROPOLOGY is the comprehensive study of humans, their societies, cultures, and their development over time. It seeks to understand the complexities of human behavior and social practices, both in the past and present. KEY CONCEPTS: CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY Overview: Examines cultural variatio...
ANTHROPOLOGY is the comprehensive study of humans, their societies, cultures, and their development over time. It seeks to understand the complexities of human behavior and social practices, both in the past and present. KEY CONCEPTS: CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY Overview: Examines cultural variations among humans and the social norms and values that shape human behavior. Methods: Ethnography (fieldwork), participant observation, and interviews. Focus Areas: Rituals and customs Social structures (families, communities) Language and communication Religion and belief systems KEY CONCEPTS: ARCHAEOLOGY Overview: The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts. Methods: Excavation, dating techniques (radiocarbon dating, stratigraphy), and artifact analysis. Focus Areas: Ancient civilizations (e.g., Egyptian, Mayan) Material culture (tools, pottery, structures) Settlement patterns and societal organization KEY CONCEPTS: BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (OR PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY) Overview: Focuses on the biological and physical aspects of humans, including human evolution and adaptation. Methods: Fossil analysis, genetics, and primatology (the study of primates). Focus Areas: Human evolution and hominids Variation in human populations (genetic diversity) Health, nutrition, and disease in different cultures IMPORTANT FIGURES FRANZ BOAS Contribution: Known as the father of American anthropology, Boas challenged the prevailing notions of racial hierarchy and cultural determinism. Key Ideas: Advocated for cultural relativism, emphasizing that cultures should be understood on their own terms. Influence: His work laid the foundation for modern anthropology, promoting fieldwork and the importance of cultural context. IMPORTANT FIGURES MARGARET MEAD Contribution: A prominent cultural anthropologist, Mead is best known for her studies of the cultural aspects of human development and behavior. Key Work: "Coming of Age in Samoa" explored the lives of Samoan adolescents and challenged Western notions of adolescence. Influence: Her work popularized anthropology and highlighted the importance of understanding cultural influences on personality and behavior.
