ANT102 Midterm

Humans

share basic biological and behavioural characteristics and exhibit tremendous variation around the globe

Anthropology (2)

argues for the fundamental equality of all humans, while also trying to understand the immerse diversity that characterizes human life

study people in particular times and places to find what makes them human in their own distinct way

Holistic approach

human culture is interconnected, anthropologists examine all aspects if human society and culture

Comparative approach

compare what humans have in common, how we differ, and how we change. What is universal? What is particular to certain cultures?

4 fields of anthropology

• Cultural

• Archaeology

• Linguistic anthropology

• Physical anthropology

Cultural anthropology

study of cultures and societies of humans in their recent past

ethnography

before 1970 was mainly non-western culture but now all culture

Archaeology

study of past societies and their cultures especially material remains (tools, food remains, places, etc.)

Linguistic anthropology

study of language, how it’s structured, evolution of language, and social/cultural contexts for language

how communities communicate through language, nonverbal or material practices

Physical anthropology

also known as biological anthropology

study of human evolution and variation both past and current

Culture (4)

set of beliefs, practices, and symbols that are learned and shared

binds people together and shapes their worldview/lifeway

what we take for granted

shared, learned, integrated, symbolic, and not static

Body rituals of Nacirema

obsession of mouth and body

example of cultural relativism

Ethnocentrism

judge beliefs/behaviours of other cultures from perspective of own

Cultural relativism

attempt to understand the beliefs/behaviours of other cultures from the context it is found (do not need to agree)

The Age of Exploration

17th to mid-20th century

travelers/explorers return with stories of “strange” people

Cultural Imperialism

one culture influences others

Colonialism

one group takes control of another usually for economical control

The age of enlightenment

late 18th century

explain reality using natural laws instead of religion

scientific explanations for human diversity

Armchair anthropology

culture rather than cultures

comparison and hierarchy

cultural or unicellular evolution- all cultures evolve to European- stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization

Herbert Spencer

came up with theories/laws regarding evolution of society

societies evolve from simplest to most complex

survival of the fittest

“uncivilzed” races comparable to ancestors of “civilized” races.

Bronislaw Walinowski (4)

from armchair to field

went to Trobriand Islands

Importance of long-term fieldwork and participant observation

non-western cultures are just as culturally rich

Participant observation

observe their daily interactions

native’s point of view

ethnography

Franz Boas (4)

culture can only be understood through in-person research

culture ideas and practices are perfectly adapted to natural environment

cultural relativism

accused of salvage anthropology (documenting cultures going extinct) and criticized for work with Indigenous communities

Participant observation

disciplined hanging out and professional stranger

perspective of members

Native’s point of view

insider’s or emic perspective

see things in terms of local context

Malinowski says this is the heart of ethnographic methods

Data types (2)

fieldnotes

interviews

Key interlocutors

aids anthropologist in research

someone well connected in the community

Intersubjectivity

learn about other cultures through relationships and interactions

Core principles (2012) of American Anthropological Association (AAA) (7)

1. do not harm

2. be transparent

3. informed consent

4. weigh competing ethical obligations due to collaborators and affected parties (be aware of who is sponsoring your research)

5. results accessible

6. protect records

7. maintain respectful relationships

Ethical record first made in 1971 in response to

Vietnam war (social scientist spies)

Main 4 ethical concerns of anthropologist

1. do no harm

2. obtain informed consent

3. ensure anonymity

4. make results accessible

Debated ethical concerns

some say not to take notes in public but is that being not transparent/not informed consent

should they publish results or will they end up in wrong hands

how can we get good participant observation with informed consent

do not interfere but what about for human rights issues

Types of ethnographic writing

polyvocality

reflexivity

ethnographical authority

Polyvocality

multiple voices in writing

whose voice do we show/represent

Reflexivity

self-analysis

what is my position in this community?

Ethnographic authority

establishing credibility/experience

Undoing anthropology/ decolonizing

who should get recognition/ funding?

Emotions universal?

no

children taught how and when to express emotions, as well as taught terms for how they are feeling

emotions and expressions are learnt behaviours

Innate emotions

Darwinian/materialistic approach

universal and adaptive

Constructive approach

Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, psychology prof and neuroscientist

Emotions are not hardwired, universal, or automatic

Concepts where the brain perceives and predicts the world.

Sensations have no singular meaning and emotions are made by culture