Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics Reviewer

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science, including branches, key figures, and characteristics of culture.

Anthropology

The study of humans, their cultures, societies, and biological development from the past to the present.

Biological Anthropology

A branch of anthropology that focuses on human evolution, fossils, human origins, and genetics.

Cultural Anthropology

A branch of anthropology that studies traditions, customs, beliefs, festivals, and human lifestyle.

Archaeology

A branch of anthropology that examines artifacts, pottery, ancient tools, and ancient civilizations.

Linguistic Anthropology

A branch of anthropology focused on the study of language and communication.

Sociology

The study of society, social interaction, human relationships, groups, and institutions.

Franz Boas

The individual recognized as the Father of Modern American Anthropology.

Auguste Comte

The individual recognized as the Father of Sociology.

Political Science

The study of government, politics, political power, public policies, and laws.

Cultural Relativism

The practice of understanding another culture using their own beliefs and practices rather than judging them.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own culture is superior and the tendency to judge other cultures using one's own standards.

Learned (Characteristic of Culture)

The concept that culture is not inherited but acquired through interactions with parents, teachers, friends, and society.

Shared (Characteristic of Culture)

The concept that culture belongs to a group and members have common practices, such as celebrating festivals.

Varied (Characteristic of Culture)

The concept that different cultures have different practices, such as the differences between Filipino and Chinese New Year.

Social (Characteristic of Culture)

The concept that culture exists because people interact with one another.

Gratifying (Characteristic of Culture)

The concept that culture satisfies people's needs for a sense of belonging, identity, and happiness.

Continuous (Characteristic of Culture)

The concept that culture persists from generation to generation through annual traditions and celebrations.

Transmitted (Characteristic of Culture)

The process where culture is passed from elders (like grandparents) to younger generations.

Edward B. Tylor's definition of Culture

A complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, traditions, and habits learned as members of society.