intro to cultural anthropology

Anthropology

Study of humans across time, culture, biology, and society.

Biological Anthropology

Studies humans as biological organisms, focusing on evolution, genetics, primates, and fossils.

Archaeology

Studies past cultures through artifacts and material remains.

Linguistic Anthropology

Studies language and culture.

Sociocultural Anthropology

Studies living cultures and societies, employing methods like ethnography, participant observation, and fieldwork.

Human Diversity

Core commitment where anthropologists study how cultures differ and adapt.

Holism

Core commitment that all parts of society are interconnected.

Human-Environment Relationships

Concept that humans affect nature and nature affects humans.

Enculturation

Learning your culture’s norms and values.

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one’s culture is superior.

Cultural Relativism

Understanding cultures within their own context.

Early Anthropology

Attempted to classify biological races.

Modern Anthropology

Believes race is socially constructed.

Lewis Henry Morgan

Proposed unilineal evolution, dividing cultures into savagery, barbarism, and civilization.

Franz Boas

Promoted anti-racism, cultural relativism, and rejected racial hierarchy.

Participant Observation

Method of living among people while studying them.

Ethnography

Written study of culture.

Fieldwork

Research conducted directly in communities.