Anthropology

Holistic Approach

Examines all cultural aspects in relation to one another.

Cultural Relativism

Avoids judging cultures as superior or inferior; an objective research method.

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one’s culture is superior, leading to intolerance of other cultures.

Fieldwork

Living in communities to collect cultural data, often using local languages.

Archaeology

Study of past human societies through material remains like artifacts and structures.

Biological Anthropology

Study of humans as biological beings, focusing on physical aspects.

Linguistic Anthropology

Study of human languages and communication.

Cultural Anthropology

Study of contemporary human cultures and societies.

Applied Anthropology

Use of anthropological methods and findings to solve real-world problems.

Definition of Culture (E.B. Tylor)

A complex whole including knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, customs, and habits acquired by individuals in society.

Key Features of Culture

Learned, Shared, Diverse, Dynamic.

Ethnography

In-depth study of people's lives and practices through detailed observation and analysis.

Emic Perspective

Insider’s perspective; understanding a culture from within.

Etic Perspective

Outsider’s perspective; analyzing a culture from an external viewpoint.

Participant Observation

A data collection technique where researchers immerse themselves in the community being studied.

Informed Consent

A key ethical consideration ensuring participants are aware of their involvement in research.

Self-Presentation

How individuals manage their image in social contexts, often aligned with societal expectations.

Communitas

A sense of community and equality that emerges during collective experiences.

Liminality

A transitional phase or state during rituals, often marked by ambiguity.

Ritual Performance

Ceremonial acts that hold cultural or symbolic significance.

Gift Economies

Economic systems based on the exchange of gifts rather than money, reinforcing social ties.

Animatism

Belief in an impersonal supernatural force that can influence human affairs.

Rites of Passage

Ceremonies that mark transitions between different stages of life.

Incest Taboo

Social rules that prohibit sexual relations between closely related individuals.

Dowry

Gifts given from the bride’s family to the groom or couple at marriage.

Patrilocal Residence

A marriage practice where the couple lives near the husband’s family.

Egalitarian Society

A society in which all individuals are considered equal and have equal rights.

Race as a Social Concept

An understanding that racial categories are shaped by social, economic, and political forces.

Symbolic Ethnicity

An ethnic identity that individuals may display publicly for cultural pride or festivals.

One-Drop Rule

A social and legal principle allowing for the classification of individuals as 'Black' if they have any African ancestry.