intro to cultural anthropology

# Anthropology

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

# Four Fields of Anthropology

## Biological Anthropology

Studies humans as biological organisms.

Focus:

- evolution

- genetics

- primates

- fossils

## Archaeology

Studies past cultures through artifacts and material remains.

## Linguistic Anthropology

Studies language and culture.

## Sociocultural Anthropology

Studies living cultures and societies.

Methods:

- ethnography

- participant observation

- fieldwork

# Core Anthropological Commitments

## Human Diversity

Anthropologists study how cultures differ and adapt.

## Holism

All parts of society are interconnected.

## Human-Environment Relationships

Humans affect nature and nature affects humans.

# Key Concepts

## Enculturation

Learning your culture’s norms and values.

## Ethnocentrism

Belief one’s culture is superior.

## Cultural Relativism

Understanding cultures within their own context.

# Anthropology and Race

## Early Anthropology

Attempted to classify biological races.

## Modern Anthropology

Race is socially constructed.

# Important Anthropologists

## Lewis Henry Morgan

Unilineal evolution:

- savagery

- barbarism

- civilization

## Franz Boas

- anti-racist

- cultural relativism

- rejected racial hierarchy

# Methods

## Participant Observation

Living among people while studying them.

## Ethnography

Written study of culture.

## Fieldwork

Research conducted directly in communities.