Ultimate Guide (IB)

What is agency in anthropology?

Agency is the capacity of human beings to act in meaningful ways that affect their own lives and those of others.

How can agency be constrained?

Agency may be constrained by class, gender, religion, and other social and cultural factors.

What does culture refer to in anthropology?

Culture refers to organized systems of symbols, ideas, explanations, beliefs, and material production that humans create and manipulate.

Define cultural relativism.

Cultural relativism is a methodological principle that emphasizes searching for meaning within the local context.

What is the focus of comparative studies in anthropology?

Comparative studies focus on capturing the diversity of social action and how aspects of society and culture are organized similarly and differently across groups.

What is the significance of ethnographic materials?

Ethnographic materials are gathered through participant observation and provide an empirical foundation for anthropology.

Define social reproduction.

Social reproduction is the concept that groups of people reproduce their social structure and patterns of behavior over time.

What is meant by socialization?

Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, behaviors, and social skills appropriate to their society.

Differentiate between ascribed and achieved status.

Ascribed status is inherited or assigned, while achieved status is earned or chosen based on personal accomplishments.

What is the role of gender in social organization?

Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes that society considers appropriate for men and women.

Explain the concept of personhood in anthropology.

Personhood refers to the status of being a person, acknowledging individual's human rights, responsibilities, and identity within a social context.

What does conformity mean in a social context?

Conformity involves adhering to social norms and expectations, while nonconformity involves deviating from these norms.

Define public and private spheres in social interaction.

The public sphere includes actions and interactions that occur in communal spaces, while the private sphere involves personal or intimate interactions.

What does social identity encompass?

Social identity refers to an individual's sense of who they are based on their group memberships, including ethnicity, race, nationality, class, age, and religion.

What are rituals in anthropology?

Rituals are formalized, repetitive actions or ceremonies that follow specific patterns and may hold symbolic meaning.

How do social movements function within societies?

Social movements are collective, organized efforts to promote or resist social change, often arising in response to perceived injustices.

Explain the concept of modernization.

Modernization refers to the social and cultural characteristics associated with industrial and post-industrial societies.

Define globalization in an anthropological context.

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world’s societies, driven by advances in communication, transportation, and trade.

What is the impact of population movement in anthropology?

Population movement encompasses voluntary migration, forced removal, and displacement of refugees, leading to cultural exchange and socio-economic challenges.

What is ethnocide?

Ethnocide is the deliberate attempt to eradicate a culture.

Give an example of genocide in history.

The Holocaust during World War II is an example of genocide.

What are indigenous movements focused on?

Indigenous movements focus on the rights, autonomy, and cultural preservation of native populations.

Discuss the role of marriage in kinship systems.

Marriage formalizes relationships between individuals and families, creating alliances and influencing social, economic, and political ties.

What is the significance of rules of descent in kinship?

Rules of descent define how kinship ties are traced and influence family dynamics, inheritance, and social organization.

Define the concept of stratification in social systems.

Stratification refers to hierarchical structures within societies where resources, opportunities, and social status are unequally distributed.

What are legal systems in the context of social control?

Legal systems involve codified laws, courts, and enforcement mechanisms that maintain order and resolve conflicts.

Discuss the notion of ethical considerations in anthropology.

Ethical considerations concern the responsibilities of ethnographers towards participants, ensuring respect, privacy, and informed consent.

What does the term 'agency-centered' refer to in anthropology?

Agency-centered perspectives highlight individuals' capacity to act and make choices that impact their social realities.

How is power defined in political anthropology?

Power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of people, exercised through various means.

Describe structuralism in anthropology.

Structuralism posits that human culture is shaped by underlying structures, such as language and kinship.

What is the focus of world systems theory?

World systems theory examines the global economic system and its impact on local societies, emphasizing inequalities.

What is cognitive anthropology?

Cognitive anthropology studies how people perceive, think about, and understand the world, focusing on mental processes.

Define deconstruction in the context of postmodernism.

Deconstruction analyzes and questions established narratives, ideologies, and power structures.

What does environmental determinism suggest?

Environmental determinism suggests that culture and human behavior are shaped by environmental conditions.

Explain the role of symbolism in culture.

Symbolism involves the use of symbols to represent ideas and convey meanings within a culture.

What is cultural ecology?

Cultural ecology examines the relationship between human societies and their environments.

Describe the impact of capitalist systems on societies.

Capitalist systems create economic inequalities and class struggles, influencing social relations.

What does cultural materialism focus on?

Cultural materialism emphasizes how material conditions and economic factors shape cultural practices and social structures.

What is the importance of ethnographic accounts in anthropology?

Ethnographic accounts provide insights into specific cultures and societies, reflecting the perspectives of both the researcher and the studied.

Discuss the role of qualitative data in anthropology.

Qualitative data involves non-numerical information that captures the complexity and diversity of social life.

What is the purpose of participant observation in ethnographic research?

Participant observation allows ethnographers to engage in the activities they study, providing deeper insights into the cultural context.

Explain the significance of social norms.

Social norms are shared rules or guidelines within a group that dictate expected behaviors and promote social order.

What are the implications of colonialism in anthropology?

Colonialism involves the subjugation of territories by foreign powers, significantly impacting social structures and local cultures.

Define the concept of intersectionality.

Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which can create overlapping systems of discrimination.

What is the role of rituals in social cohesion?

Rituals reinforce community bonds and shared identities through collective participation.

Define the term global capitalism.

Global capitalism refers to the economic system characterized by the dominance of capitalist economies worldwide.

What does the concept of social mobility entail?

Social mobility is the ability of individuals or families to move between social strata, typically influenced by factors such as education and economic opportunity.

What role does critical analysis play in anthropology?

Critical analysis in anthropology involves examining social structures, power dynamics, and cultural representations to challenge prevailing narratives and understand inequalities.

Explain the significance of cultural preservation.

Cultural preservation involves maintaining and revitalizing cultural practices and identities that are at risk of decline or erosion.

How do environmental factors influence cultural practices?

Environmental factors shape cultural practices by influencing resource availability and economic activities.

What does the globalization of culture refer to?

Globalization of culture refers to the spread and mixing of cultural practices and ideas across borders, often leading to hybrid cultural forms.

Define the concept of cultural hybridity.

Cultural hybridity refers to the blending of different cultural elements to create new cultural expressions.

Discuss the importance of reflexivity in ethnographic research.

Reflexivity involves researchers critically examining their own biases and perspectives, enhancing the credibility and depth of their analyses.

What is the role of anthropology in understanding social justice?

Anthropology contributes to understanding social justice by exploring the complexities of power, identity, and cultural representation.

Explain how globalization may affect indigenous cultures.

Globalization can lead to cultural homogenization, risking the erosion of indigenous cultures and practices.

What is the concept of social control?

Social control refers to mechanisms, strategies, and institutions employed to regulate individual behavior and maintain social order.

Define the term commodification in cultural contexts.

Commodification is the process of turning cultural elements into marketable goods or services.

What is the role of normative ethics in anthropology?

Normative ethics examines what is considered moral and acceptable behavior within a cultural context.

Discuss the significance of power differentials in anthropology.

Power differentials affect relationships and interactions within and between groups, influencing access to resources and opportunities.

What is meant by the term cultural adaptation?

Cultural adaptation refers to the ways in which societies adjust their cultural practices in response to changing environmental or social conditions.

Explain the concept of observational research in anthropology.

Observational research involves systematically watching and recording behaviors in cultural settings to gain insights into social practices.

What is the implication of moral relativism in anthropology?

Moral relativism suggests that ethical standards and moral codes vary between cultures and should be understood within their context.

Define hegemony in the context of social conflicts.

Hegemony refers to the dominance of one group over others, often achieved through cultural means rather than force.

What role do kinship systems play in social organization?

Kinship systems define familial relationships and obligations, influencing social structures, inheritance, and community ties.

Describe the impact of health disparities on social stratification.

Health disparities can exacerbate social stratification, as unequal access to healthcare and resources leads to differing health outcomes among social classes.

What does the term 'deviance' mean in a sociocultural context?

Deviance refers to behaviors or actions that violate societal norms or expectations.

How do ethical standards shape anthropological research?

Ethical standards guide researchers to ensure respect for participants, informed consent, and minimize potential harm.

What is the importance of cultural narratives in understanding identity?

Cultural narratives shape individual and collective identities, providing meaning and context to experiences.

Define the concept of ethnography.

Ethnography is a qualitative research method used in anthropology to study cultures through immersive observation and participation.

What does the term multiculturalism refer to in sociology?

Multiculturalism is the acknowledgment and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds within a society.

What is meant by the term 'normative frameworks' in ethics?

Normative frameworks are structures used to evaluate moral actions and guide ethical decision-making.

Discuss the relevance of qualitative methods in anthropological research.

Qualitative methods provide rich, contextual insights into cultural phenomena that quantitative data alone cannot capture.

Define the principle of triangulation in research methods.

Triangulation involves using multiple methods or sources of data to enhance the credibility and validity of research findings.

What are the implications of cultural assimilation?

Cultural assimilation involves minority groups adopting the dominant culture's norms and practices, potentially leading to the erosion of their original cultural identities.

Describe the importance of fieldwork in anthropology.

Fieldwork is essential for collecting data and understanding cultures through direct engagement with communities.

What does the term 'collective memory' mean?

Collective memory refers to the shared pool of knowledge and information held by a group, influencing identity and cultural continuity.

Explain material culture in anthropology.

Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture.

What is an example of a ritual for a rite of passage?

Graduation ceremonies are often seen as a rite of passage marking the transition into adulthood.

Discuss the concept of cultural capital.

Cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets, like education and cultural knowledge, that promote social mobility.

What is the significance of cultural continuity?

Cultural continuity ensures the survival and transmission of cultural practices and identities across generations.

Define social stratification.

Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige.

What role do social institutions play?

Social institutions structure society and influence individual behavior, providing norms and expectations for various aspects of life.

What is meant by the term 'reflexivity' in ethnographic research?

Reflexivity in ethnographic research involves the researcher critically reflecting on their own influence, biases, and ethical considerations during the study.