Theory and History of Anthropology week 1-3 Quiz 1 | Quizlet

What is a major critique of Morgan's theory of unilinear evolution?

It is critiqued for its Eurocentric bias and the assumption that all societies follow the same path of development

What is Firmin's primary critique of the application of evolutionism to race?

Firmin critiques the misapplication of evolutionism to justify racial hierarchies, particularly the belief that racial differences correlate with intellectual or moral inferiority

How does Morgan's use of evolutionism focus on societal progress?

Morgan applies evolutionism to cultural and technological advancements in societies, rather than using it to classify races

Which prominent anthropologists did Firmin critique in his work?

Blumenbach and Cuvier

According to Firmin, how should racial differences be viewed?

As variations within a unified human species, not markers of superiority or inferiority

Why does Joseph-Anténor Firmin critique the work of anthropologists like Blumenbach and Cuvier?

Firmin critiques them because, despite their advances in anthropology, they reinforced racial hierarchies and contributed to the idea of racial superiority

What are the key technological advancements marking transitions between Morgan's stages of development?

Inventions like pottery, the domestication of animals, and iron smelting

What concept did Morgan propose to explain why societies develop similarly across the globe?

The "psychic unity of mankind."

What does Morgan argue is similar across human societies despite differences in development?

Morgan argues that societies follow similar developmental paths due to the "psychic unity" of all humans

What is the title of Zora Neale Hurston's 1935 work?

Mules and Men

What is the title of Joseph-Anténor Firmin's 1885 work?

The Equality of Human Races

What is the title of Lewis Henry Morgan's 1877 work?

Ethnical Periods

In which year was Joseph-Anténor Firmin's "The Equality of Human Races" published?

1885

In which year was Lewis Henry Morgan's "Ethnical Periods" published?

1877

What does Joseph-Anténor Firmin critique in "The Equality of Human Races"?

The pseudoscientific methods used to justify racial hierarchies and the idea of white superiority

What scientific approach does Firmin use to debunk racial hierarchies?

A positivist scientific approach

What are the three main stages of societal development outlined by Lewis Henry Morgan in "Ethnical Periods"?

Savagery, barbarism, and civilization

How does Firmin's use of evolutionism differ from Morgan's?

Firmin uses evolutionism to argue for racial equality, while Morgan uses it to trace cultural and societal development

What does Firmin argue about human intellectual and moral development?

Firmin argues that all races are equally capable of intellectual and moral development

How does Morgan's model of cultural evolutionism reflect unilinear thinking?

Morgan believes all societies evolve through the same stages—savagery, barbarism, and civilization—though at different rates

What is the key difference in how Firmin and Morgan apply evolutionism?

Firmin uses it to dismantle racial inequality, while Morgan uses it to trace societal stages of development

How does Firmin argue for the unity of the human race in "The Equality of Human Races"?

Firmin asserts that all humans share a common origin and that racial differences are simply variations within the same species

In which year was Zora Neale Hurston's "Mules and Men" published?

1935

What is the title of Franz Boas's 1920 work?

American Anthropologist

In which year was Franz Boas's "American Anthropologist" published?

1920

What is the focus of Part I of Hurston's "Mules and Men"?

Hurston collects African-American folk tales from southern communities, emphasizing their rich oral tradition and cultural significance

What cultural insights are gained from the folk tales Hurston gathers?

The tales provide a deep understanding of the daily life, social norms, humor, and values within southern Black communities

What unique community event does Hurston describe in Part II of "Mules and Men"?

A "toe-party," where women hide behind curtains, and men buy their toes for a dime, leading to social interactions and dancing

What spiritual tradition does Hurston explore in Part II of "Mules and Men"?

Hoodoo, a spiritual and magical tradition within African-American culture

Who is the famous voodoo queen mentioned in "Mules and Men," and what rituals are associated with her?

Marie Leveau, with rituals including those to protect people, curse enemies, and keep a husband faithful

What is the significance of the metaphor "spy-glass of Anthropology" in Hurston's work?

It suggests that anthropology gave Hurston a new perspective to closely examine and understand her own culture and experiences

What is the core idea behind Franz Boas's theory of historical particularism?

Understanding each culture within its unique historical and environmental context, rejecting universal cultural development theories

How does Hurston's "Mules and Men" reflect Boas's historical particularism?

Hurston presents detailed ethnographic work, showcasing African-American culture and Hoodoo rituals as unique to their specific historical and cultural context

What principle of Boas's theory is demonstrated by Hurston's treatment of cultural practices without judgment?

Cultural relativism, the idea that cultural practices should be understood in their own context without imposing external judgments

What concept does Franz Boas critique in his view of cultural evolution?

Boas critiques the idea that all cultures evolve in a linear progression from "primitive" to "civilized."

How does Boas emphasize the importance of fieldwork in anthropology?

He advocates for immersive fieldwork to gather accurate cultural data.

What role does linguistic diversity play in Boas's anthropology?

Boas highlights the significance of language in shaping cultural experiences and worldviews

How does Boas view the spread of cultural traits between societies?

Boas believes cultural traits spread through contact and interaction between societies, not through independent evolution

What is acculturation, according to Boas's theory?

Acculturation is the process of cultural change and adaptation that occurs when individuals or groups come into contact with different cultures

What are the key points of acculturation as described by Boas?

It involves cultural modification, balancing cultures, and can impact social behaviors, psychological well-being, and physical health

What is cultural dissemination?

The act of spreading information, ideas, or cultural traits widely across societies

What is the title of Émile Durkheim's 1898 essay?

Individualism and the Intellectuals

In which year was Émile Durkheim's "Individualism and the Intellectuals" published?

1898

What is the title of Marcel Mauss's 1925 work?

The Gift: The Form and Reason for Exchange in Archaic Societies

In which year was Marcel Mauss's "The Gift" published?

1925

What is the title of Jean Price-Mars's 1928 work?

So Spoke the Uncle

In which year was Jean Price-Mars's "So Spoke the Uncle" published?

1928

What crisis does Durkheim address in his essay "Individualism and the Intellectuals"?

The conflict between individualism and state authority, particularly as it relates to intellectuals

How does Durkheim distinguish between utilitarian and moral individualism?

Utilitarian individualism focuses on personal interest and self-sufficiency, while moral individualism emphasizes the individual's connection to a higher moral order

What does Durkheim argue about the role of intellectuals during the Dreyfus Affair?

Intellectuals, by defending individual rights, play a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards and promoting moral individualism

How does Durkheim view individualism in terms of social solidarity?

He argues that moral individualism fosters social solidarity by uniting individuals around shared values and principles

What is the "religion of humanity" that Durkheim envisions?

A secular moral framework that places the human person as sacred, providing a basis for social cohesion

What does Mauss describe as the obligations inherent in gift exchange systems?

The obligations to give, receive, and reciprocate gifts to maintain and reinforce social relationships

What is the potlatch, and how does it function in gift-giving?

A system of competitive giving among American Northwest tribes where the value of a gift must be surpassed by the return gift, often leading to the destruction of wealth

What is the concept of "hau" in Maori culture?

The spiritual force of a gift that compels the recipient to reciprocate, linking the exchange to spiritual and moral dimensions

How does Mauss suggest modern societies could benefit from ancient gift exchange principles?

By rediscovering mutual obligation and collective support to address contemporary social and economic problems

How does Price-Mars define popular beliefs in Haitian culture?

As psychological phenomena including remnants of ancient customs and early forms of legal and scientific thought

Why does Price-Mars consider Voodoo a religion?

Because it has a structured belief system, rituals, priesthood, and a theological framework, despite its syncretic origins

What comparison does Price-Mars make between Voodoo and other religions?

He compares Voodoo to Christianity and Buddhism to highlight shared elements such as rituals, moral codes, and the sacred-profane distinction

How does Price-Mars address the role of magic and sorcery in Voodoo?

He distinguishes magic from religion but acknowledges that many religions, including Voodoo, contain magical elements

How does Durkheim's concept of collective conscience relate to Mauss's analysis of gift exchange?

Both highlight how shared beliefs and practices (like gift-giving) maintain social cohesion and reinforce community bonds

In what way does Mauss's work reflect Durkheim's views on the social functions of rituals?

By showing how gift exchange rituals regulate social relationships and maintain group cohesion

How does Price-Mars's exploration of Voodoo illustrate Durkheim's ideas about religion and social cohesion?

Voodoo serves as a shared belief system that fosters community identity and solidarity, aligning with Durkheim's views on the role of religion in maintaining social order