Anthropology Exam 2

Biophilia

natural human liking for nature; Example: hospital patients healing faster when exposed to sun and nature views

Screen of Nature

Peoples view of nature depends on how our culture teaches us to see it.

Three realms of subsistence culture

Technological

social

cognitive ( ideational )

Subsistance strategies

Foraging ( hunting/gathering ) example is the Kung San

Horticulture ( gardening/ slash and burn) moving periodically

Pastoralism ( herding livestock, nomadic ) relies on settled communities for trade.

Intensive Agriculture ( year round production, ) example is terracing

Industrial food production ( machine-based, modern systems )

Homo Economicus 

Self interest, humans not always rational 

• cultural and social ties affect decisions

What did the Moll et al. case study show about altruism (helping others)?

Altruism ( helping others ) activates brain brain reward pathways

• studied people’s brains while they donated money or helped others.

• They found that helping others activates the same brain areas that light up for rewards like food or money.

• humans are wired to give

Cronk ( case study )

Cronks study showed Gifts are socially powerful;

• gifts have strings attached : when someone gives a gift, the receiver is often expected to repay later.

• repayment doesn’t have to be asap

•  not always material,can be respect, friendship, or support.

• People can use gifts strategically to build alliances or gain influence.

What is the Kula Ring ( concept ) 

  Half trade, Half ceremony : not about profit, but about showing respect and building friendships.

-strengthens social ties and keeps good relationships between different groups.

Leveling Mechanisms ( concept )

Reduce inequality in paesent societies

Sex and Gender

Sex: biological differences

Gender: socially constructed roles;

-example: !Kung women and men have flexible roles → shows gender roles can vary by culture

Cross Cultural examples

• Hijra ( India )

• Two-spirit ( Native American )

Keys to Gender equality 

• Shared food — men and women both help provide.

• Cooperation — people work together, not compete.

• Mobility — groups move often, so no one controls land.

• Childcare — women care for kids but with community help.

• Vandello: Said masculinity is vulnerable — men feel pressure to prove they’re “manly.” 

Political Organization 

ways groups maintain social order, manage relations, decision-making, conflict

Dimensions

ascribed vs achieved status , centralized vs uncentrilized

Bands

Small, kin- based informal leaders

Example: Kung san

Tribes 

Multiple local communities 

• informal leaders 

• “ Big men “ influence on villages

• Example: maasai 

Cheifdoms

Multiple villages under paramount chief

formal social ranking

States

has centralized authority, laws, enforcement , classes and taxation

Pantribal Sodalities

Groups in a tribe made up of people who aren’t family — they join for the same purpose, like war or ceremonies.

What are legal systems in anthropology?

how societies make and enforce rules using authority.

• Example: The Roma (Gypsies) follow their own family-based rules, which sometimes clash with U.S. laws shows that laws can be different across cultures.

• Marvin Harris: Said hierarchy (social ranking) isn’t something humans are born with it’s created by culture, not natural. 

Yanomamo agression

Hierarchal - Chest pounding, slaps, fighting with clubs

Unokai: Alliances and feasting used to control behavior

Anthropology of War

how anthropologists study why people fight and whether war is natural or cultural.

Gat : says war is part of human nature

Pinker: says there is less violence

Fergusen : says war is caused by culture

Reciprocity Types 

• Generalized : family

• Balanced : friends

• Negative: gain advantage 

• Redistribution: Leader collects and shares goods ( chiefdoms )

Race

social construct, NOT Biological

Traits vary along clines

Ethnicity

Shared Culture, language, traditions

Typologies vs Clines

• Typologies: Put people into fixed categories (like races) — this is wrong because humans don’t fit neatly into boxes.

• Clines: Show gradual changes in traits (like skin color) this is correct because human traits vary

How do Nisa’s experiences relate to gender stratification among foragers?

Kung foragers treat men and women equal

Nisa’s independence shows this equality

• In Nisa, women gather food and choose who to marry — showing equality and independence.

Is war part of human nature?

(what do Gat, Furgusun , Yanomamo, Pinker say about it )

• Gat: Yes — war might be natural.

• Ferguson: No — war comes from culture.

• Pinker: Violence is decreasing over time.

• Yanomamo: Fight for status and wives, not instinct

What is Reciprocity and why is it important? 

Giving or trading things with others and expecting something in return.

3 types : 

• Generalized: Give, don’t expect right away

• Balanced, :Trade fairly

• Negative : ry to get more

• Important bc it helps build trust and alliances

What are leveling mechanisms and why do they exist

Things people do to keep everyone equal in small groups.

• Share extra stuff

• stop anyone from becoming too rich or powerful.

Explain Homo Economicus and why it doesnt fully describe human behavior?

The idea that people always make smart, selfish choices for themselves.

But in real life, people care about others too

Give examples of the 4 political organization types?

• Bands: Small family groups, no real leaders — everyone equal. (Example: !Kung San)

• Tribes: Bigger groups with informal leaders or “Big Men.” (Example: Yanomamo)

• Chiefdoms: One main chief in charge. (Example: Hawaii)

• States: Big organized governments with laws. (Example: United States