Study Notes on Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives, 2nd Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction to Anthropology
      - The Personal Journey to Anthropology
      - The Authors and Their Backgrounds

  • What is Anthropology
      - Definition of Anthropology
      - The Four Subfields of Anthropology
      - The Global Variation in Anthropology
      - Applied Anthropology

  • Cultural Anthropology
      - Definition and Scope
      - Methods of Cultural Anthropologists
      - Case Studies in Cultural Anthropology

  • Understanding Culture
      - Definition of Culture
      - Characteristics of Culture
      - The Complexity of Cultural Definitions

  • A Brief History of Anthropological Thought
      - Early Anthropological Studies
      - The Age of Enlightenment
      - Ethnocentrism and Its Impact

  • Other Subfields of Anthropology
      - Biological Anthropology
      - Archaeology
      - Linguistic Anthropology
      - Applied Anthropology

  • Anthropological Perspectives
      - Holism
      - Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism
      - The Role of Comparison
      - Fieldwork Methodology

  • The Importance of Anthropology
      - Skill Development through Anthropology
      - The Applicability of Anthropology in Modern Careers

  • Authors' Experiences and Perspectives
      - Anthony Kwame Harrison's Journey
      - Bob Myers on Diversity and Education
      - Lynn Kwiatkowski on Gender Violence and Health

  • Discussion Questions

  • Glossary

  • About the Authors

  • Bibliography

INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY

  • The personal journeys of the authors into anthropology reflect a deep-rooted curiosity about human behavior, culture, and societal dynamics.

  • Katie Nelson mentions her initial interest in creative writing but found her passion in observing and understanding diverse cultures, leading her to choose anthropology.

  • Lara Braff details her experience with her immigrant mother, highlighting how questioning norms became part of her anthropological inquiry.

The Personal Journey to Anthropology

  • Katie Nelson: Developed interest in anthropology while selecting courses in college. Motivated by a curiosity about culturally diverse people.
      - Noted significant cultural differences through her upbringing in rural Minnesota.

  • Lara Braff: Enrolled in anthropology without prior knowledge but found the course relevant to her upbringing influenced by her mother's immigrant experience.

WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY

Definition of Anthropology

  • Anthropology is derived from Greek: "anthropos" (human) + "logy" (study of). It encompasses the study of humanity.

  • Questions addressed in anthropology include the origins of humanity, cultural differences, and the evolution of human beliefs and behaviors.

The Four Subfields of Anthropology

  1. Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on contemporary human cultures and societal differences.

  2. Archaeology: Studies past human societies through material remains.

  3. Biological Anthropology: Examines the biological aspects of humans, their evolution, and variation.

  4. Linguistic Anthropology: Studies language's role in social life and its impact on culture.

  • Applied Anthropology: Solves practical problems by applying anthropological methods in professional sectors like healthcare and community organizations.

The Global Variation in Anthropology

  • Anthropology varies globally; in some countries, cultural anthropology may be known as social anthropology. For instance, European countries often integrate sociology and anthropology.

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Definition and Scope

  • Cultural anthropology is the largest subfield in the U.S. based on PhD graduates. It investigates cultural variations and similarities through immersive fieldwork.

  • Cultural anthropologists focus on understanding diverse perspectives and exploring all aspects of human life, from family dynamics to art and religion.

Methods of Cultural Anthropologists

  • Use participant-observation to suspend their own cultural perceptions when studying others.

  • Case studies (e.g., Jean Briggs's work with Inuit communities) illustrate the unique insights gained through immersive research.

UNDERSTANDING CULTURE

Definition of Culture

  • Culture encompasses learned beliefs, practices, and symbols shared by members of a social group.

  • Culture influences perceptions, behaviors, and relationships within societies but is difficult to define due to its intangible qualities.

Characteristics of Culture

  1. Capacity to Learn: Humans can learn any culture but must be taught through enculturation.

  2. Change: Culture evolves due to internal and external influences.

  3. Agency: Humans can conform to or transform cultural norms.

  4. Symbolism: Culture involves symbols created and shared by individuals.

  5. Integration: Cultural aspects are interrelated and influence each other.

  6. Interrelation of Culture and Biology: Culture affects biological development and practices.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL THOUGHT

Early Anthropological Studies

  • Zhang Qian (164 BC – 113 BC): Conducted early systematic cultural studies in Central Asia, gathering information for establishing cultural relations.

  • Ibn Battuta (1304-1369): Notable for documenting cultural customs during his travels across the Islamic world.

The Age of Enlightenment

  • The Enlightenment period emphasized observation and rational thought, impacting various academic fields including anthropology.

  • Key thinkers included Charles Lyell and Charles Darwin, whose work on evolution reshaped understanding of humanity's origins and development.

OTHER SUBFIELDS OF ANTHROPOLOGY

Biological Anthropology

  • Focuses on human origins, evolution, and variation through the study of present and extinct species, such as Jane Goodall's research on chimpanzees and findings on Homo naledi.

Archaeology

  • Studies material remains to reconstruct past human behavior and societal changes over time. Excavations, like those at Jericho, reveal ancient urban development.

Linguistic Anthropology

  • Investigates the role of language in human society, its relation to cultural identity, and its influence on thought processes.

  • The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis highlights how language can shape perceptions of reality.

Applied Anthropology

  • Engages in practical applications of anthropological research to address social issues, including in the health sector and cultural resource management.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Holism

  • A comprehensive approach that examines human behavior and cultural norms in context, integrating various aspects of life.

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

  • Cultural Relativism: Understanding beliefs and behaviors in their cultural context without judgment.

  • Ethnocentrism: Viewing one's culture as superior and using it as a standard to evaluate other cultures.

The Role of Comparison

  • Anthropologists use comparison across societies and species to uncover similarities and differences, enriching the understanding of humanity.

Fieldwork Methodology

  • Ethnography involves participant-observation, where anthropologists engage with communities to collect qualitative data.

  • Ethical dilemmas inform ethical considerations in ethnographic research.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTHROPOLOGY

  • Anthropology fosters critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding that are vital in today's interconnected world. Skills developed through anthropology are applicable across diverse careers, enhancing societal comprehension and empathy.

AUTHORS' EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES

Anthony Kwame Harrison's Journey

  • Explores race in popular music and its social implications based on his background.

Bob Myers on Diversity and Education

  • Advocates for an anthropological perspective in student education that considers broad, interconnected societal issues.

Lynn Kwiatkowski on Gender Violence and Health

  • Conducts research on gender inequality and violence, aiming to reveal social and cultural roots of these issues.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Discuss the advantages and challenges of anthropology's broad scope.

  2. Consider a belief, practice, or symbol in your culture that is interesting for anthropological study.

  3. Analyze the definition of culture presented; how does it compare to your understanding?

  4. Reflect on the research projects described by the authors; which resonated the most with you?

GLOSSARY

  • Cultural relativism: Understanding beliefs and behaviors within their cultural perspective.

  • Paleoanthropologist: Studies ancient human relatives, including extinct species.

  • Ethnography: Detailed study and description of a culture or community.

  • Participant-observation: Engaging in a research community while observing their practices.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  • Katie Nelson: Focuses on migration, identity, and citizenship, with a commitment to accessible education.

  • Lara Braff: Investigates social inequalities influencing health practices.

  • Bob Myers: Promotes interdisciplinary approaches within anthropological studies for comprehensive understanding.

  • Lynn Kwiatkowski: Researches gender violence and health within cultural contexts, aiming for practical solutions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Comprehensive list detailing sources referenced throughout the text, including notable anthropological works and studies.

  • The materials promote ongoing engagement with anthropology in its many forms and applications.