Cultural Anthropology Key Concepts: Culture, Ethnocentrism, and Social Systems

What does cultural anthropology study?

Differences between cultures + power inequalities (colonialism, globalization)

What is the comparative approach?

Comparing cultures to challenge 'common sense' and see our own culture differently

How has anthropology changed over time?

Now studies all societies, including modern, urban, Western

British social anthropology focuses on what?

Social order (how individuals fit into society)

What is structural functionalism?

Institutions exist to serve functions (religion, family, etc.)

French structuralism focuses on what?

Universal patterns in the human mind

What is a key idea of structuralism?

Different cultures share underlying structures (kinship, myths, language)

What is culture according to Tylor?

Learned behaviors, beliefs, customs, etc.

What is an example of culture being learned?

Learning norms from family/school

What is an example of culture being shared?

Group values (family importance in Asian cultures)

What is an example of culture being symbolic?

Skin color meaning different things in different societies

What is an example of culture being dynamic?

Fusion food / cultural mixing

What is ethnocentrism?

Judging other cultures using your own standards

Why is ethnocentrism a problem?

Leads to bias, misunderstanding, and disrespect

What is an example of ethnocentrism in Cannibal Tours?

Tourists see Indigenous people as 'primitive'

What is an example of ethnocentrism in Shakespeare in the Bush?

Tiv interpret Hamlet differently → no universal meaning

What is the diffusionism argument?

Cultures borrow from each other → no culture is 'pure'

What is cultural relativism?

Understanding cultures on their own terms

What is a pro of cultural relativism?

Promotes respect and deeper understanding

What is a con of cultural relativism?

Can justify harmful practices

What is a holistic approach in anthropology?

Studying all parts of culture together

What is the key method in ethnography?

Deep immersion (live with people)

What is participant observation?

Live + observe daily life

What are interviews in ethnography?

Flexible conversations

What are key informants?

Knowledgeable insiders

What is informed consent?

Participants fully understand and agree

What is full disclosure in research?

Be honest about research

Why consider harm/benefits in anthropology?

Avoid hurting communities

What was Boas' argument about race?

No biological basis for race

What was Montagu's argument about race?

Race = artificial grouping

What does genetic evidence show about humans?

Humans are 99% genetically identical

What is scientific racism?

Using 'science' to justify racial superiority

Why is scientific racism flawed?

Based on bias, not real evidence

What is an example of scientific racism?

Morton manipulated skull data

What are gender stereotypes?

Oversimplified ideas about men/women

What role does advertising play in gender stereotypes?

Reinforces beauty standards + objectification

What is the main idea of Martin's Egg & Sperm?

Science uses gender stereotypes (active sperm, passive egg)

What is the reality of the egg's role?

Egg is also active

What is Ortner's main argument about women and nature?

Women linked to nature → lower status

Why are women linked to nature according to Ortner?

Reproduction + domestic roles

What is foraging?

Hunting/gathering

What is horticulture?

Small-scale farming

What is agriculture?

Large-scale farming

What is pastoralism?

Herding animals

What is industrial production?

Machine production

What is the market principle in exchange?

Buying/selling for profit

What is redistribution?

Goods collected and redistributed (taxes)

What is reciprocity?

Gift exchange between equals

What is moral economy?

Economy shaped by social relationships

Why must gifts be repaid in a moral economy?

They create social obligation

What is potlatch?

Giving away/destroying wealth for status

What is Benedict's view on potlatch?

Status competition

What is Mauss' view on potlatch?

Reciprocity + social bonds

What is Harris' view on potlatch?

Economic survival system