Monaghan & Just intro & chap 1

A Very Short Introduction to Anthropology

For over twenty years, the authors have engaged in discussions about the essence of anthropology—its methodologies, discoveries, and the best practices for teaching this discipline to individuals who are not specialists. This dialogue originated during their graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and continued as they progressed into fieldwork, a crucial component of anthropology. Their teaching experiences revealed that introducing anthropology effectively involves emphasizing the framework of anthropological thinking over merely relaying discoveries. They argue that focusing on concepts, rather than facts, allows for a richer understanding of enduring anthropological issues.

Anthropology has roots that intersect with European exploration, colonialism, and natural sciences. In the nineteenth century, early anthropologists, inspired by philosophical movements that paralleled Darwinian evolution, were interested in mapping the social and cultural evolution of societies. Pioneers like Edward Tylor and Lewis Henry Morgan examined diverse aspects, from writing systems to marriage practices, to trace their evolution.

Transition of Anthropology

By the early twentieth century, the field transitioned from reliance on colonial narratives and secondhand accounts to conducting ethnographic fieldwork, which distinguished anthropology from other social sciences. Ethnography involves gathering firsthand data through immersive experiences, and its importance remains universally acknowledged among anthropologists. Early anthropological work predominantly focused on small-scale, technologically simple societies, motivated by a desire to document cultures at risk due to colonial pressure. However, this focus oversimplified these cultures and mischaracterized their complexity.

In recent decades, anthropology shifted from a lens likened to the physical sciences to a more interpretive, humanistic perspective. The discipline's scope expanded beyond non-Western societies to urban and industrial communities typically studied by sociologists. Yet, anthropology continues to maintain a comparative ethos, valuing all societies equally while emphasizing unique personal encounters that inform anthropological insights. Throughout this book, the authors illustrate anthropological concepts with anecdotes from their own field experiences, emphasizing the humanity and vibrancy of the cultures they studied.

Fieldwork Experiences

Peter's Research on Dou Donggo: Peter's fieldwork among the Dou Donggo in Indonesia lasted two years in the early 1980s, later returning for shorter visits. The Dou Donggo, numbering around 20,000, live in a mountainous terrain in Sumbawa, retaining a distinct cultural identity despite being enveloped by the larger Bimanese community, who are fervent Muslims. Initially part of a Hindu kingdom, they were incorporated into the Muslim Sultanate by treaty—allowing them autonomy due to their fierce warrior reputation and difficult geography. Despite becoming part of Muslim Bima, the Dou Donggo largely maintained their indigenous beliefs. Peter aimed to understand how their cultural identity fostered an ethnic boundary with the Bimanese, particularly focusing on religious beliefs and dispute resolution.

During his fieldwork, Peter and his wife, Anne, lived in the traditional village of Doro Ntika, which lacked modern amenities. The Dou Donggo had traditionally cultivated swidden agriculture, but population increases led to shifts towards wet rice cultivation and cash crops. Despite health risks from diseases like malaria, the villagers showed warmth and generosity towards Peter and Anne.

John's Research on the Mixtec: John conducted research among the Mixtec in Santiago Nuyoo, Oaxaca, Mexico, from 1983 to 1986. The Mixtec, the third-largest indigenous group in Mexico, faced a demographic collapse after Spanish conquest, although they retained substantial cultural identity through rich artistic traditions. John's focus was on how the Mixtec navigated community life amidst challenges of migration for labor. Despite cultural predisposition towards stoicism in visual representations, John found that the Mixtec had a vibrant sense of humor and community, enriching his understanding of their culture.

Broadening Anthropology's Scope

Anthropology is a vast field with rich traditions globally. By the end of the twentieth century, professional organizations had grown significantly. New intellectual traditions and research agendas are emerging within Latin America and formerly colonized nations, challenging historical Eurocentric narratives.

Throughout the book, the authors plan to address significant anthropological questions that persist: what defines humanity, the formation of social and cultural groups, the nature of belief and economic exchange, and the methodologies for researching these phenomena. They aim to ground the discussion in foundational ideas and thinkers rather than focusing on ephemeral trends.

In further sections, the authors will delve into core anthropological topics such as culture and society, blood and marriage ties, and significant themes of economy, religion, and identity—all central to the study of humanity and the anthropological pursuit.