ANTH2020 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and themes from the ANTH2020 Study Guide, providing definitions and explanations for important terms relevant to anthropology and race studies.

Insider ethnography

A research approach where the researcher is part of the community being studied, providing an in-depth understanding from within.

Ecological racism

Discrimination faced by communities based on their environmental conditions, often linked to issues like pollution and access to resources.

Epistemic violence

Harmful acts that undermine a group's knowledge systems and understanding, often perpetuated by dominant cultures.

Intersectionality

A framework in feminist theory that examines how various social categories like race, gender, and class intersect and contribute to systemic inequality.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often discussed in relation to social structures.

Decolonising methodology

Research approaches that prioritize Indigenous perspectives and practices, aiming to dismantle colonial frameworks.

Cultural essentialism

The belief that certain cultural characteristics are fixed and inherent to a particular group.

Reflexivity

The process of reflecting on one’s own influence on research and the knowledge produced, recognizing bias and positionality.

Transindigeneity

The interconnectedness of Indigenous peoples across different regions and their shared experiences of colonialism.

Hegemony

Dominance of one group over others, often reflected in cultural, political, and social institutions.

Postmodernism

An intellectual stance that critiques modern ideas, emphasizing relative truths and the deconstruction of established narratives.

Functionalism

A theory in anthropology that interprets each part of society in terms of how it contributes to the stability of the whole.

Structural-functionalism

An approach that focuses on the relationship between societal structures and the functions they perform to maintain social order.

Orientalism

A framework for understanding the West's depiction and construction of Eastern cultures as exotic or inferior.

Kuleana

A Hawaiian term referring to one's responsibilities or duties, particularly in the context of cultural stewardship.

Feminist anthropology

A subfield of anthropology focused on understanding gender roles and inequalities through feminist perspectives.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Principles that advocate for fair treatment, representation, and participation of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.

Re-Presenting Melanesia

A critique of how Western representations of Melanesian cultures often perpetuate stereotypes and fail to recognize their complexity.

Decolonisation

The process of undoing colonial influence and power structures, often involving a revitalization of Indigenous cultures and rights.