Cultural Anthropology: Key Concepts, Theories, and Ethnographic Methods

What does cultural anthropology study?

Human culture, social differences, and power relations across societies.

What are the main focuses of inquiry in cultural anthropology?

Cultural differences, beliefs, customs, social systems, and unequal power relations shaped by colonialism, imperialism, and globalization.

What is the comparative approach in cultural anthropology?

It compares societies to challenge common assumptions about culture.

What does the holistic approach in cultural anthropology entail?

It examines all aspects of culture as interconnected.

How has the focus of cultural anthropology changed over time?

It has shifted from small-scale, non-Western societies to include urban, industrial, and global societies.

What is the main difference between British Social Anthropology and French Structuralism?

British focuses on function (what culture does), while French focuses on structure (how culture is organized in the mind).

Who are key figures in British Social Anthropology?

Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown.

What is Edward Tylor's definition of culture?

A complex whole including knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, and customs acquired as a member of society.

What are the four key aspects of culture according to Tylor?

Learned, shared, symbolic, and dynamic.

What is ethnocentrism?

Using one's own culture as a standard and viewing it as superior.

What are the pros and cons of cultural relativism?

Pros: reduces bias and encourages understanding; Cons: can justify harmful practices and complicate moral judgments.

What is the significance of Malinowski's ethnographic research?

It emphasizes a holistic approach and proper fieldwork conditions like long-term immersion and participant observation.

What are the core issues in the code of ethics for anthropological research?

Informed consent, full disclosure, and do no harm.

What does Franz Boas argue about race?

No pure races exist; traits are shaped by environment and history.

What is scientific racism?

Using science to claim racial superiority, often flawed and dangerous.

How is gender viewed in anthropology?

As a socially constructed concept, not solely biological.

What role does advertising play in gender stereotypes?

It reinforces norms and idealized body images, contributing to inequality.

What is the moral economy?

Economic actions shaped by social relationships and fairness.

What is the significance of gift exchange in anthropology?

Gifts create obligations and social bonds, reflecting moral and economic relationships.

What is a potlatch?

A ceremonial gift-giving feast involving competition and redistribution.

What are Polanyi's principles of economic systems?

Reciprocity, redistribution, and market exchange.