Anthropology: Lecture 6: Economic Systems

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts and terms from the lecture on Economic Systems in Anthropology, aiding in the understanding of how economic activities are shaped by cultural and social factors.

Economic Anthropology

The study of how goods are produced, distributed, and consumed in a specific culture.

Division of Labor

The allocation of different tasks to different individuals based on characteristics such as age and sex.

Craft Specialization

The practice where individuals develop expertise in specific trades or crafts.

Production

The process of creating goods and services using resources.

Distribution

The methods by which goods and resources are allocated to individuals and groups.

Consumption

The use of goods and services by individuals or communities.

Non-profit production

Production that does not primarily aim for financial profit, often seen in indigenous cultures.

Yams in the Trobriand Islands

A cultural symbol of wealth and power exchanged among families rather than consumed as a primary food crop.

Yam Exchange

The practice of gifting yams to build social prestige and strengthen relationships.

Yam Competitions

Cultural events where participants give away large amounts of yams to gain prestige.

Yam Debts

Obligations created through the gifting of yams, repaid through women’s wealth or other resources.

Function of Yams

Yams serve social, political, and economic purposes beyond mere consumption.

Resources

Raw materials, labor, and technology necessary for producing goods.

Sexual Division of Labor

The allocation of tasks based on gender roles, often differing across cultures.

Patterns in Sexual Division of Labor

The range from flexible shared tasks in hunter-gatherer societies to rigid gender roles in industrialized communities.

Child Labor

The participation of children in the workforce, often viewed negatively in industrial societies.

Co-operative Work

Collective efforts by a group to accomplish tasks, fostering community and support.

Nonindustrial Specialists

Individuals with advanced skills in specific trades, particularly among food producers.

Potlatch

A ceremonial feast held by Northwest Coast Native Peoples, marking significant life events through gift-giving.

Market Exchange

Direct trading of goods in a specific location, serving both economic and social functions.

Money

A medium of exchange that represents value and is used to facilitate trade.

Conspicuous Consumption

The act of using wealth to gain social prestige by showcasing material possessions.

Generalized Reciprocity

An exchange where 'gift' value isn't measured and future returns are not immediate.

Balanced Reciprocity

An exchange with set times and values for repayment, often seen in social relationships.

Negative Reciprocity

Seeking to gain a better deal in exchanges, often associated with competitive situations.

Barter

Direct exchange of goods without a monetary intermediary, reliant on negotiation.

Silent Trade

A method of exchange where goods are left for others to assess without verbal communication.

Kula Ring

A ceremonial exchange system in the Trobriand Islands involving trade of prestige items.

Redistribution

Central authority collects and redistributes resources, often seen in societies with taxation.

Levelling Mechanisms

Cultural practices that promote wealth equality within a community.

Indigenous Groups of BC Coast

Various Native societies rooted in rich traditions and social organization.

Modern Potlatches

Contemporary celebrations incorporating traditional potlatch practices after previous prohibitions.

Resource Depletion

Reduction in natural resources, affecting social and economic stability in communities.

Technology in Production

Tools and knowledge essential for producing goods, varying by lifestyle.

Control of Land

Determines who has access to resources, critical in agricultural and pastoral societies.

Role of Lineage

Kin-based systems managing resources in non-industrial cultures.

Farmers in West Africa

A feudal system of land ownership reflecting lineage-based resource distribution.

Cultural Consumption

Consumption behavior shaped by cultural norms and practices, defining food and rituals.

Food Taboos

Cultural restrictions on certain foods based on beliefs and practices.

Forbidden Foods

Foods considered unclean or unacceptable in certain cultures.

Consumption and Subsistence

Links between consumption habits and subsistence strategies in different cultures.

Global Economy

The interconnected economic activities of nations, facilitating free trade and commerce.

Division of Labor by Age

Allocation of work tasks based on age, with varied expectations for different life stages.

Craft Specialization in Nonindustrial Societies

Individuals in nonindustrial settings often develop skills appropriate for their age or gender.

Impact of Globalization

The influence of global commerce on local economies and cultures.

Food as Ritual

The use of food in ceremonial contexts to establish social bonds and cultural identity.

Afar Salt Mining

The extraction of salt by the Afar people, involving significant physical effort.

Economic Ideas

Theoretical frameworks that may not apply universally across all cultures.

Consumption Patterns

How consumption varies depending on technological advancement and cultural practices.

Egalitarian Societies

Communities where wealth and resources are distributed more equally.

Cultural Classification of Purity

How different cultures define what is considered clean and unclean.

Community Viability

The sustainability of a community over time, influenced by resource management.

Market Types

Different structures of markets, ranging from formal to informal exchanges.

Social Prestige

Recognition and respect gained through wealth, generosity, or status.

Gift Economy

A system where goods are given without expectation of immediate payment.

Economic Systems

The structures and methods through which societies produce, distribute, and consume goods.

Rituals surrounding Consumption

Ceremonies or practices that accompany the act of consuming goods.

Environmental Impact

The effects of human activities on the natural world, particularly related to resource extraction.

Kinship and Resource Allocation

Relationships among family units that determine access to resources.

Feudal Land Systems

Hierarchical ownership structures in agriculture, determining land use and access.

Market Exchange Dynamics

Factors influencing trade, including supply and demand in different settings.

Wealth Disparities

The unequal distribution of wealth within and between different societies.

Cultural Significance of Potlatches

The importance of gift-giving events in reinforcing social ties and identity.

Social Connections through Rituals

Using shared practices and ceremonies to strengthen community bonds.

Historical Context of Potlatches

The evolution of potlatch practices influenced by social and economic changes.

Resource Management

Strategies for sustainably using and controlling natural resources.

Long-term Community Health

The ongoing viability and functionality of a community over time.

Anthropological Perspectives

Different viewpoints used to study and understand human societies.

Socioeconomic Structures

The organizational systems within societies that determine roles, responsibilities, and resource distribution.