Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

cultural anthropology > chp 1-10 > Flashcards

chp 1-10 Flashcards

(88 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Definition of Anthropology

A

Anthropology is derived from the Greek words anthropos for human and logos for study, so if we take its
literal meaning it would mean the study of humans.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Activities of an Anthropologist

A

So the study of the influences
that make us human is the focus of anthropologists. Anthropologists study the various components of what its means to be human.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Branches of Anthropology

A

Physical Anthropology: Is the study of humans from a biological perspective.

Human paleontology: this sub branch deals with re-constructing the evolutionary record of the human existence and how humans evolved up to the present times.

Human variation: The second area deals with how/ why the physical traits of contemporary human populations vary across the world.

Archeology: study of lives of people from the past by examining the material culture they have left behind.

Anthropological Linguistics: the study of human speech and language

Cultural Anthropology: the study of cultural differences and similarities around the world

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Cultural Anthropology:

A

cultural anthropology concerns itself with the study of cultural differences as well as the similarities around the world.
branch of anthropology that deals with the study of specific contemporary cultures
(ethnography) and the more general underlying patterns of human culture derived through cultural
comparisons (ethnology) is called cultural anthropology.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Areas of Specialization in Cultural Anthropology

A

Urban Anthropology – studies impact of urbanization on rural societies and the dynamics of life within cities

Medical Anthropology – studies biological and socio-cultural factors that effect health or prevalence of illness or disease in human societies

Educational Anthropology – studies processes of learning of both formal education institutions and informal systems which can use story telling or experiential learning

Economic Anthropology – studies how goods and services are produced, distributed and consumed within different cultural contexts

Psychological Anthropology – studies relationship between cultures and the psychological makeup of individuals belonging to them

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Common Responses to Cultural Difference: Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism

A

Ethnocentrism – a belief that one’s own culture is not only the most desirable but also superior to
that of others.

Cultural relativism – looks at the inherent logic behind different cultures and practices in the attempt to understand them

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the anthropological definition of culture?

A

Culture is everything people have, think, and do as members of a society — including material possessions, values, beliefs, and behavior patterns.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the three major components of culture according to anthropologists?

A

Material possessions (what people have)

Ideas, values, and attitudes (what people think)

Behavioral patterns (what people do)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is meant by ‘culture is shared’?

A

Culture is considered shared because its meaning is collectively understood and followed by most members of a society, enabling predictability in behavior.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is enculturation?

A

Enculturation is the process through which humans learn their culture, typically starting from infancy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are cultural universals?

A

These are features common to all cultures, such as:

Marriage and family systems

Education systems

Economic systems

Communication methods

Social control mechanisms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the difference between adaptive and maladaptive cultural traits?

A

Adaptive traits help societies survive in specific environments (e.g., Eskimos using fur clothes).

Maladaptive traits harm the environment or society (e.g., pollution from cars).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the holistic approach in anthropology?

A

It’s the view that culture is a coherent system, where all parts are interrelated, and must be studied together to understand the whole human experience.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the difference between pure and applied anthropology?

A

Pure anthropology develops theories and methods.

Applied anthropology uses anthropological knowledge to solve practical problems in areas like health, development, and education.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the specialized roles of applied anthropologists?

A

Policy Researcher

Evaluator

Impact Assessor

Needs Assessor

Trainer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the ethical responsibilities of anthropologists?

A

To the people studied – present findings truthfully.

To the discipline – maintain credibility and research integrity.

To sponsors – carry out work responsibly.

To host and home governments – respect all laws and protocols.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is a theory in anthropology?

A

A theory is a general explanation of how and why certain cultural phenomena occur, often based on tested hypotheses and empirical research.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is Cultural Evolutionism?

A

A 19th-century theory suggesting that all cultures evolve in universal stages:

Savagery

Barbarism

Civilization
(E.g., Lewis Henry Morgan’s 7-stage model in Ancient Society, 1877)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the 7 stages of Cultural Evolution by Morgan?

A

Lower Savagery – subsisting on fruits and nuts

Middle Savagery – fishing & fire

Upper Savagery – invention of bow & arrow

Lower Barbarism – pottery making

Middle Barbarism – domestication & irrigation

Upper Barbarism – smelting iron

Civilization – writing and alphabet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is Diffusionism?

A

A theory that suggests cultures change primarily through borrowing or spreading cultural traits from one society to another. It lacks field data and often overemphasizes diffusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is Historicism?

A

Emphasizes inductive research and fieldwork before developing theories. Every culture is unique and must be studied from the native’s point of view.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What major contribution did Historicism make?

A

Promoted direct fieldwork, advocated for female anthropologists, and emphasized empirical evidence over grand theories.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is Psychological Anthropology?

A

Explores how culture and personality are interrelated. It argues that personality traits are learned, not biologically fixed or gender-specific.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is Functionalism?

A

A theory that sees culture as a system where every part serves a function. Focuses on how institutions maintain societal stability, not on their historical origins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
According to Functionalism, how is culture like a biological organism?
Like an organism, all parts of culture are interconnected, and a change in one part causes change in others. Every institution serves a function necessary for survival.
26
What is Neo-Evolutionism?
A modern take on evolutionism by Leslie White, stating: “Culture evolves as the amount of energy harnessed per person increases.” Formula: Culture = Energy × Technology
27
What does Neo-Evolutionism downplay in cultural development?
It de-emphasizes values and beliefs, focusing instead on material and technological conditions shaping culture.
28
What are hypotheses in anthropology?
Hypotheses are educated guesses about relationships between variables, which must be tested through fieldwork or observation.
29
What is French Structuralism in anthropology?
A theory focusing on the mental structures that shape human behavior. It suggests culture is influenced by unconscious cognitive codes, similar to linguistic structures.
30
What is a major criticism of French Structuralism?
It's considered too theoretical, with limited empirical evidence, and focuses more on repetitive structures than cultural change or diversity.
31
What is Ethno-Science?
A method that describes culture using the emic approach (the viewpoint of locals), aiming to reduce ethnocentric bias by understanding native logic and categories.
32
What are the pros and cons of Ethno-Science?
Pro: Enhances cultural accuracy and respects native perspectives. Con: Time-consuming, limited to small cultural segments, and difficult to compare across cultures.
33
What is Cultural Materialism?
A theory that emphasizes material and environmental conditions (like technology and resources) as the primary shapers of human culture and behavior, using the etic approach.
34
What is the main idea behind Cultural Materialism?
Human behavior is shaped more by material needs and production modes than by ideology or belief systems. Ideas only accelerate or slow down change — they don’t cause it.
35
What is Postmodernism in anthropology?
A theory that rejects grand theories and universal explanations. It emphasizes cultural uniqueness, subjectivity, and collaborative ethnography.
36
How do Postmodernists view anthropology?
They see it as a humanistic rather than scientific field. They argue for multiple perspectives and stress that anthropologists should include the voice of the people studied in their ethnographies.
37
What is Interpretive Anthropology?
A theory that focuses on how local people interpret their own behavior and values. It uses an emic approach and studies the meaning behind actions.
38
How is Interpretive Anthropology different from Cultural Materialism?
Interpretive Anthropology emphasizes ideas, symbols, and meanings. Cultural Materialism emphasizes material conditions and technology.
39
Define 'Etic' and 'Emic' approaches.
Etic: Researcher’s perspective (outsider’s view) Emic: Insider’s or native’s perspective
40
What does 'structural functionalism' refer to?
A perspective that studies how parts of a culture function together to ensure the survival and well-being of society.
41
What is the primary method of research in Cultural Anthropology?
Fieldwork — direct, on-the-ground research where anthropologists collect cultural data and test hypotheses in real-life settings.
42
What types of areas can anthropologists conduct fieldwork in?
Both urban and rural areas, across developed and developing countries, among various cultures and subcultures.
43
Why is fieldwork considered essential in cultural anthropology?
Because it allows first-hand observation, interaction, and immersion in the culture being studied, resulting in more reliable and authentic data.
44
What are the 5 major stages of anthropological fieldwork?
Selecting a research problem Formulating a research design Collecting data Analyzing data Interpreting data
45
What is a problem-oriented approach in research?
A method where anthropologists form a specific hypothesis and test it using data from fieldwork, rather than studying a culture generally.
46
Define ‘independent’ and ‘dependent’ variables in research design.
Independent variable: The factor expected to cause change (e.g., urbanization) Dependent variable: The outcome being explained (e.g., family interaction patterns)
47
Give an example of how family interaction might be studied.
Researchers can analyze variables like: Residence patterns Family gatherings Mutual help Visiting routines to understand cultural shifts or urban influence.
48
What is meant by 'coding data'?
Assigning numerical values or categories to responses for easier analysis and comparison, especially in surveys or questionnaires.
49
Why is interpretation considered the hardest step in research?
Because it involves making sense of the data, confirming or rejecting hypotheses, and ensuring the conclusions are valid and unbiased.
50
What does 'flexibility in methods' mean for anthropologists?
Researchers should be ready to adapt techniques in the field if initial methods prove impractical or ineffective.
51
What are some common challenges faced during fieldwork?
Exposure to diseases or danger Culture shock (psychological disorientation in unfamiliar settings) Balancing subjectivity and objectivity Risk of ethnocentric bias
52
Define the term ‘ethnocentric’.
Viewing other cultures through the lens of one’s own, often believing one’s own culture is superior.
53
What is an ethnography?
A detailed, written study of a culture based on fieldwork, often highlighting customs, values, and social behaviors.
54
Why is it important to avoid bias in anthropological research?
Bias can lead to misrepresentation of cultures and invalid conclusions, undermining the scientific integrity of the research.
55
What is participant observation?
A key method in anthropology where the researcher actively engages in the culture being studied while systematically observing behaviors and practices.
56
Why is participant observation important?
It reveals the difference between what people say they do and what they actually do, and allows observation of non-verbal behavior.
57
What are some guidelines for participant observation fieldwork?
Obtain permission from relevant authorities Show respect to local values and customs Build trust with community members
58
two advantages of participant observation. two disadvantages of participant observation.
Enables deep cultural immersion and insight Allows observation of implicit, unspoken behavior Hard to record everything; observer may miss details The researcher’s presence may influence behavior
59
What is the difference between structured and unstructured interviews?
Structured interviews use fixed questions in a specific order Unstructured interviews are open-ended and flexible, allowing for natural conversation
60
What are some techniques to ensure validity in interviews?
Cross-check answers with multiple people Repeat the same question at different times Avoid leading questions (e.g., “You don’t smoke, do you?”)
61
What is census taking in anthropology?
The collection of basic demographic data (e.g., population size, age, gender) at the start of fieldwork — a non-intrusive way to begin research.
62
How is document analysis useful in anthropology?
It involves studying written or printed materials (e.g., government records, newspapers, song lyrics) to understand cultural values and social conditions.
63
Why are genealogies important in small-scale societies?
They map kinship relations, helping anthropologists understand social structure and patterns of interaction.
64
What are the benefits and limitations of using photography in fieldwork?
Benefit: Provides visual evidence and captures details missed by the human eye Limitation: May be objected to by conservative communities or seen as invasive
65
What is cross-cultural comparison and what are its requirements?
Comparing cultures to find similarities and differences. Requirements: Use consistent data collection methods Compare similar units (e.g., village to village) Avoid removing traits from cultural context
66
Define attitudinal vs. behavioral data
Attitudinal data: What people think or feel Behavioral data: What people actually do
67
What does “receptiveness” mean in cultural research?
How open or accepting a community is toward certain research techniques or questions.
68
What is Economic Anthropology?
It is the study of how different cultures produce, distribute, and consume resources based on their environment, technology, and social systems.
69
How is Economic Anthropology different from Economics?
Economics assumes people aim to maximize profit. Economic Anthropology studies diverse motivations for economic behavior, including cultural, social, and moral factors — not just profit.
70
What are Economic Universals?
These are functions all cultures must fulfill: Regulation of Resources Production Exchange
71
What does 'Regulation of Resources' mean? What is ‘Production’ in cultural terms? What is meant by ‘Exchange’?
regulation of resources: It refers to how natural resources like land, water, and minerals are allocated and controlled within a society. production: It means converting resources into usable goods, such as turning sugarcane into sugar. exchange: It is the distribution of goods and services among members of society after they are produced.
72
What is Durkheim's distinction between mechanical and organic solidarity?
Mechanical solidarity: Found in simple societies with minimal labor specialization, based on shared interests. Organic solidarity: Found in complex societies with high specialization, based on mutual interdependence.
73
How are gender roles and age specialization reflected in labor?
Tasks often assigned based on age and gender Young and elderly do lighter tasks (when possible) Women often have roles with flexible timing, though this varies with urbanization and poverty
74
Define 'particularism' and 'universalism'.
Particularism: Favoring people based on personal relationships, like family Universalism: Using standardized criteria, like exams or merit
75
What are the 3 modes of distribution in economic anthropology?
Reciprocity Redistribution Market exchange
76
What is reciprocity?
Mutual exchange of goods/services between parties. Types: Generalized: No expectation of return (e.g., parent-child care) Balanced: Equal return expected (e.g., wedding gifts) Negative: One party tries to gain more (e.g., bargaining)
77
What is redistribution?
Goods/services are collected by a central authority (e.g., state or religious system) and reallocated to members of society. Example: Tax system or zakat
78
What is market exchange?
Exchange through standardized currency or barter. Based on profit motive, often impersonal, and common in complex societies.
79
What is globalization in the context of economics?
The spread of free-market economies worldwide, increasing global trade, cultural exchange, and often debate on economic inequality.
80
Why is language important in anthropology?
Language is key to culture—it allows humans to communicate, preserve knowledge, and express thoughts/feelings.
81
How is human communication different from animal communication?
Humans use open systems: create new meanings Animals use closed systems: fixed signals Only humans can express abstract and hypothetical ideas (displacement)
82
What are the core components of language structure?
Phonology: Sound patterns Morphemes: Smallest meaning units (e.g., “artist-s”) Grammar/Syntax: Rules for combining words
83
What is the process of learning language called?
Language acquisition — often involves imitation, but also reflects an innate biological capacity (e.g., Chomsky’s universal grammar theory)
84
What is the difference between synchronic and diachronic analysis?
Synchronic: Study of language at a specific time Diachronic: Study of language over time
85
What are language families?
Groups of related languages evolved from a common ancestral (proto-) language. Example: English, French, Spanish = Indo-European family
86
What is the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?
Language influences how people think and perceive the world. Different languages = different worldviews.
87
What is cultural emphasis in language?
Languages highlight what is important in a culture (e.g., tech terms in industrial societies, kinship terms in tribal societies).
88
What is diglossia?
The use of two language varieties in the same culture — one for formal settings (high), one for everyday use (low).

cultural anthropology (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions