ANTHRO_ FRESHMAN YEAR NOTES. Q1.

What is anthropology primarily concerned with?

The study of people, their cultures, and their collective lives.

Define 'proximity' in the context of anthropology.

The role and relationship of people to each other, which varies culturally and can change with time.

What is ethnography?

A research method in anthropology that involves immersive observation and participation within a community to gather data and understand cultural practices.

What ethical responsibilities do anthropologists have during fieldwork?

Obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant safety and privacy, and being aware of biases that might affect research.

How does the concept of 'shapeshifting' apply to young Black women in the Fresh Start shelter?

It refers to their ability to adapt and resist societal labels and expectations imposed by institutions.

What does 'cultural life' encompass in relation to citizenship?

Cultural life shapes civic action and is influenced by the citizenship status of individuals, particularly among minority groups.

Explain the significance of the cockfight in Geertz's anthropological study.

The cockfight serves as a dramatization of status concerns, revealing social hierarchies and allowing participants to explore their positions within society.

What did Aimee Cox focus on in her ethnographic study?

She examined the everyday lives of young Black women at Fresh Start, exploring their strategies for survival and identity formation against societal challenges.

What does the term 'social analysis' imply in anthropology?

The systematic interpretation of social patterns and cultural practices through evidence and argument development.

Why do anthropologists emphasize participant observation?

It allows researchers to immerse themselves in the daily lives of their subjects to understand cultural practices more deeply.

How is citizenship defined beyond legal status in the lecture?

Citizenship encompasses belonging, rights, obligations, and is influenced by social and cultural factors.

What role does storytelling play in shaping both individual and collective experiences?

Storytelling allows individuals to navigate their identities and circumstances, fostering resilience and community building.

Describe the importance of reflexivity in anthropological research.

Reflexivity requires researchers to continuously reflect on how their own backgrounds affect their interpretations and interactions with subjects.

What challenges do Black girls face at Fresh Start according to Cox?

They face societal expectations and limitations imposed by systemic racism and economic inequities while trying to assert their identities.

What defines the 'art' aspect of ethnography according to Cox?

It involves capturing the complexity of lived experiences through detailed storytelling and rich descriptions.

How do systemic inequalities manifest in the lives of young women at Fresh Start?

They confront limited job opportunities and are often categorized by societal labels that constrain their identity and agency.