Topic 1 - ANTH111
Anthropology
The study of humanity, including human culture, behavior, evolution, and social structures.
Four Fields of Anthropology
Biological (Physical) Anthropology – Study of human evolution, genetics, and primates.
Archaeology – Study of past human societies through artifacts and excavation.
Linguistic Anthropology – Study of language and communication in cultural contexts.
Cultural Anthropology – Study of human societies, traditions, and behaviors.
Holism
An approach that examines all aspects of human life (culture, biology, history, and language) together.
Cultural Relativism
The idea that cultures should be understood on their own terms, rather than judged by outside standards.
Ethnocentrism
The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others and using it as the standard for evaluating others.
Comparative Approach
Anthropologists compare different cultures to understand similarities and differences.
Enculturation
The process of learning culture through socialization from family, peers, and institutions.
Emic Perspective
The insider’s view of a culture – how members of the society understand their own traditions.
Etic Perspective
The outsider’s view of a culture – an anthropologist’s analysis using external concepts.
Norms
Unwritten rules and expectations about behavior in a society (e.g., shaking hands as a greeting).
Values
The core beliefs that shape what is considered important in a culture (e.g., freedom, equality).
Mental Maps of Reality
Cultural classifications of people, objects, and meanings that help make sense of the world.
Cultural Change
The ways in which cultures adapt and evolve over time due to influences like globalization, technology, or migration.
Cultural Diffusion
The spread of cultural elements (ideas, practices, technologies) from one society to another.
Cultural Appropriation
The unauthorized use of elements from another culture, often without understanding or respect.