MINDMAPS Flashcards
Differentiate Between Applied Anthropology and Action Anthropology:
Applied Anthropology vs. Action Anthropology
Definition and Origin
- Applied Anthropology: Recognized since the emergence of anthropology, it involves the practical use of anthropological knowledge to solve human problems.
- Action Anthropology: Coined by Sol Tax in 1951, it involves the active participation of anthropologists in implementing and planning development policies.
Interaction
- Applied Anthropology: Involves organized interaction between professional anthropologists and policy-making bodies. Anthropologists serve as consultants.
- Action Anthropology: Involves anthropologists actively participating in policy implementation, becoming agents of change.
Use of Anthropological Knowledge
- Applied Anthropology: Anthropological knowledge is used by others, such as the government and missionaries, to aid in achieving their goals.
- Action Anthropology: Anthropologists themselves use their knowledge to promote personal agendas and become agents of change.
Development and Community
- Applied Anthropology: Results in community development.
- Action Anthropology: Views community development as an end in itself.
End Users
- Applied Anthropology: Knowledge is used by external entities, such as politicians and missionaries.
- Action Anthropology: Anthropologists use their knowledge to drive change within communities.
Conclusion
Both applied and action anthropology contribute to community development but differ in their approaches. Applied anthropology is more consultative, while action anthropology involves anthropologists actively participating in policy implementation.
Applied Anthropology vs. Action Anthropology
New Physical Anthropology:
New Physical Anthropology:
Definition:
Washburn termed the changing nature of physical anthropology in the 20th century as “New Physical Anthropology,” later recognized as “Biological Anthropology.”
Scope:
Studies human evolution and variation, mainly focusing on morphological features.
Includes subfields like paleoanthropology, primatology, comparative osteology, and dermatoglyphics.
Changing Nature in the 20th Century:
Genetic Studies Dominance:
Genetic studies replaced morphological studies.
Interaction of Heredity and Environment:
Studied the interaction between heredity, environment, behavior, and culture (social biology).
Shift to Application:
Scope changed from speculation to application for mankind.
Examples of Changes:
ABO Blood Grouping
Mendel’s Laws
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Cytogenetics, Population Genetics, Synthetic Theory of Evolution
UNESCO Declaration Against Racism
Conclusion:
Recognizes that what Washburn termed “new” belonged to the subject matter’s integral part.
The term “Biological Anthropology” is used to acknowledge the discipline’s expanded scope.
Linguistic Anthropology:
Linguistic Anthropology
Introduction
Speech and language, distinctively human features, are integral to culture. Linguistic anthropology, the youngest branch of anthropology, studies language from an anthropological perspective. It systematically examines language evolution, variation, and their relation to sociocultural life.
Origin and Development
- 17th and 18th Centuries: Originates from metaphysical writings.
- E. B. Tylor: Sparked interest in language origin in “Researches into the Early History of Mankind.”
- Dell Hymes: Coined the term “linguistic anthropology” in the 1960s.
Scope
1. Relation Between Language and Cultural Behavior: Examines how language is connected to various aspects of sociocultural life.
2. Study of Linguistic Variation: Analyzes how human languages develop, evolve, and relate to one another.
3. Understanding Thought Process: Aims to comprehend the thought process and organization of the human mind expressed through language.
4. Sociolinguistics: Studies the role of language in social behavior and linguistic differences in various social contexts.
5. Languages of Simple Societies: Emphasizes studying languages of simple societies, as proposed by Malinowski.
6. Metalinguistics: Studies language characteristics, functions, and its relation to cultural behavior.
7. Language and Physical Anthropology: Recent interest in tracing language origin through physical development, e.g., Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas.
Relevance
1. Understanding Continuity of Culture: Provides insight into the culture of simple societies.
2. Explaining Societal Structure: Assists sociologists and anthropologists in explaining societal structures.
3. Holistic Anthropology: Incorporates linguistic studies into anthropology, making the discipline holistic.
1.3 (4) Archaeological Anthropology:
1.3 (4) Archaeological Anthropology:
Introduction:
Archaeological Anthropology combines archaeology and anthropology, studying material objects to describe and explain human behavior and cultural development.
Definition:
It focuses on material remains for understanding the origin, growth, and development of human culture.
Origin:
Began in 1797 with the discovery of Acheulian tools, gaining popularity in the late 19th century with large-scale excavations.
Prerequisites:
Collaboration with geologists, knowledge of biological anthropology, geography, ethnology, and cultural anthropology.
Scope:
Studies socio-cultural affairs indirectly through material remains.
Aims to reconstruct socio-cultural life during prehistoric periods using tools and artifacts.
Relevance:
Offers insights into the socio-cultural life of prehistoric times.
Analyzes various cultures, contributing to global knowledge.
Studying climatic and ecological aspects of ancient times.
Overcomes limitations on understanding language in prehistoric times.
Limitation:
Unable to determine the language spoken in prehistoric times.
Conclusion:
Archaeological Anthropology provides a holistic approach to studying the human past, specifically focusing on prehistoric times. It contributes significantly to understanding cultural evolution, societal structures, and the impact of environmental factors on ancient civilizations.
PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
1.3 (3) Physical Anthropology:
Introduction:
Physical Anthropology, the oldest anthropology discipline, deals with biological evolution, variation in humans, and their primate relatives.
Origin:
Emerged from human inquiries about identity, origin, and differences.
Scope and Development:
Beginning:
Late 18th century interest in physical differences led to the study of race.
Human Biological Evolution:
Mid-19th century fossils discovery promoted interest in human biological evolution.
Primatology:
Charles Darwin’s 1871 book “Descent of Man” led to the study of primates.
New Physical Anthropology/Biological Anthropology:
20th-century changes shifted focus from morphological to genetic and biological studies.
Relevance:
Understanding biological past.
Combating racial arrogance by disproving racial myths.
Applied aspects in health, nutrition, defense, forensic investigations, and sports anthropology.
1.3 (2) Socio-cultural Anthropology:
1.3 (2) Socio-cultural Anthropology:
Introduction:
Socio-cultural Anthropology studies ways of life in terms of place and time, encompassing socio-cultural evolution and variation. Evolved from ethnology, it became socio-cultural anthropology, combining social and cultural anthropology.
Scope and Development:
Ethnology and Theory of Evolutionism:
Systematic beginning focused on comparative study of simple societies for understanding human evolution.
Evolutionists used ethnology for comparative study.
Ethnography:
In-depth description of one culture, distinct from comparative study.
Social Anthropology:
Popularized by Radcliffe Brown, a theoretical study of social institutions, relations, laws, religion, politics, and economics.
Cultural Anthropology:
Popularized by Franz Boas in America, studies learned human behavior transmitted culturally.
Goal of Socio-cultural Anthropology:
Describe the entire range of human behavior.
Study primitive culture, cultural contact, reconstruct social history, and search for universally valid social laws.
Theories in Socio-cultural Anthropology:
Classical evolutionism, historical particularism, diffusionism, functionalism, neo-evolutionism, etc.
Specialized Subject Areas:
Political Anthropology, Ecological Anthropology, Legal Anthropology, Economic Anthropology, Psychological Anthropology, Symbolic Anthropology, Cognitive Anthropology, etc.
Relevance:
Promotes awareness, tolerance, and peace by understanding cultural and behavioral similarities and differences.
.3 (1) Four Fold Division of Anthropology:
1.3 (1) Four Fold Division of Anthropology:
Why there is a need for the fourfold division of anthropology?
Anthropology is the science of man in totality, but the vastness of the subject requires specialization. Franz Boas introduced the fourfold division of anthropology to facilitate in-depth study and investigation. The four major branches are:
Physical/Biological Anthropology:
Concerned with the biological and behavioral aspects of humans, non-human primates, and extinct hominid ancestors.
Provides a biological perspective to the systematic study of human beings.
Social Cultural Anthropology:
Studies ways of life of people in terms of place and time.
Aims to generate meaningful scientific laws of human behavior globally.
Archaeological Anthropology:
Focuses on material objects to describe and explain human behavior, as well as the origin, growth, and development of human culture.
Linguistic Anthropology:
Interdisciplinary study of how language influences social life.
Originated from documenting endangered languages and encompasses language structure and use.
Relationship between Anthropology and Psychology
Relationship between Anthropology and Psychology
Introduction:
Psychology relates to socio-cultural anthropology.
Psychology studies individual behavior, while socio-cultural anthropology focuses on collective behavior.
Complementarity:
Both aim to understand man in the context of social behavior.
Psychology helps anthropology understand root causes of behavior.
Anthropology aids psychology in assessing the influence of cultural environment on behavior.
Psychology in Anthropology:
Evolutionists:
Tylor and Morgan used psychic unity to explain the origin and evolution of culture.
Franz Boas:
Depended on socio-cultural factors to explain human behavior.
Culture Personality School:
Margaret Mead studied the impact of culture on individual and societal personality.
Ruth Benedict introduced the concept of culture patterns, showing their influence on collective behavior.
Linton and Kardiner proposed the personality structure of culture.
National character study: Each nation has a typical character pattern irrespective of individual differences.
Behavioral Techniques:
Traditional use of behavioral techniques from psychology in anthropological fieldwork.
Recent Developments:
Emergence of social biology in anthropology and social psychology in psychology.
These developments have brought anthropology and psychology closer.
Conclusion:
Anthropology and psychology, through their complementary relationship, contribute to a holistic understanding of human behavior, incorporating both individual and collective dimensions. The interchange of methods and recent interdisciplinary developments enhances their collaboratio
Flashcards for “Research Strategy of Anthropology
Flashcards for “Research Strategy of Anthropology”
Introduction
Anthropology studies humans in totality: space, time, biology, culture, society.
Research strategy includes various approaches for comprehensive understanding.
Fieldwork Approach
Hallmark of anthropology.
Involves firsthand observation, recording, and documentation of biology, culture, and society.
Highlights collection of raw material for anthropology.
Holistic Approach
Understands every aspect of humankind in relation to the whole and vice versa.
Encompasses Biological Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology, Sociocultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology.
Comparative Approach
Compares biology, culture, and society of different peoples.
Identifies common elements, explores differences, and finds causes for variations.
Aids in understanding universal, general, and particular features of humankind.
Emic and Etic Approach
Deals with both people’s view (emic) and anthropologist’s view (etic).
Translates people’s perspective into anthropological view for comprehensive understanding.
Case Study Approach
In-depth examination of an individual, family, association, community, or episode.
Analyzing multiple case studies enhances understanding of anthropology.
Systems and Processes Approach
Understands each aspect through major systems in biology, culture, and society.
Analyzes interactions between systems for a holistic understanding.
Conclusion
These research strategies make anthropology a holistic study of human beings.
Enables a comprehensive understanding of human biology, culture, and society.
“Holism in Anthropology”
Flashcards for “Holism in Anthropology”
Introduction
Holism focuses on total study; atomism emphasizes part study.
Anthropology adopts holism, studying human beings in totality.
Atomism
Reduces elements into specific parts, typical in other social sciences.
Sociology studies social structure, History explores past aspects, etc.
Holism
Aims to get a whole picture, applying knowledge from diverse fields to understand human beings.
Anthropology includes Biological, Archaeological, Sociocultural, and Linguistic Anthropology.
Characteristics of Holism
Pooling knowledge from different fields for a comprehensive understanding.
Study from various angles, e.g., positive, negative, political, economic, etc.
Embraces borrowing knowledge from other disciplines.
Relevance of Holism
Provides an overall understanding of human society.
Helps comprehend past, present, and future aspects of humanity.
Limitations/Barriers to Holistic Study
Explosion of knowledge, increased communication, expanding subject scope, growing specialization.
Despite barriers, anthropologists communicate, use information for holistic understanding.
Conclusion
Holism makes anthropology unique among social sciences.
Offers a comprehensive understanding of human beings in their entirety.
Anthropology and History
1.2 (5) Anthropology and History
Focus:
Relationship of anthropology with history.
Similarities and differences.
Definition:
History: Chronological sequence of past events with deciphered records.
Similarities:
Sociocultural anthropology involves diachronic studies.
Biological anthropology studies human evolution.
Archaeological anthropology deals with prehistoric societies.
Both study and describe human past.
Both based on facts and fieldwork.
Differences:
Anthropology studies physical and social aspects; history focuses mainly on social.
Anthropology is holistic; history is chronological and historical.
Anthropology emphasizes simple societies; history relies on secondary sources.
Anthropology uses participant observation; history now incorporates it.
Conclusion:
Historical approach is crucial in anthropological studies, but the approaches differ in holism and atomism.
Discuss the relationship of Anthropology with Medical Sciences.
1.2 (3) Discuss the relationship of Anthropology with Medical Sciences.
Introduction:
Medical science focuses on disease management.
Human health understood from biology and culture.
Historical Background:
Contributions of anthropologists in the field of medicine.
Relationship between Physical Anthropology and Medical Sciences:
Study of human variation.
Dermatographic study, comparative anatomy, anthropometry.
Gerontology and genetic engineering.
Relationship between Socio-Cultural Anthropology and Medical Sciences:
Cultural determinants of disease and wellbeing.
Diagnosis and treatment culturally influenced.
Ethnobotany, primitive pharmacopeia, prevention practices.
Differences:
Anthropology focuses on traditional and modern medicine.
Holistic vs. atomistic disease pattern study.
Stress on scientific medicine in medical science.
Conclusion:
Anthropology and medical science borrow knowledge from each other for a comprehensive understanding of human health.
nthropology as the Most Liberating Science”
Flashcards for “Anthropology as the Most Liberating Science”
Introduction
Anthropology is the study of human beings in totality in terms of time and space.
Herskovits defines it as the science of man and his work.
Liberating Role of Anthropology
Exploding Myths
Debunking myths of social and cultural superiority.
Overcoming racism by placing all mankind on the same pedestal.
Contributions to Peace and Harmony
Attaining and maintaining peace and harmony, prerequisites for development.
Intellectual Liberation
Teaching critical thinking and providing intellectual equipment.
Forming an enlightened citizenry free from narrow and parochial feelings.
Conclusion
Anthropology liberates from fallacies, misnomers, and fosters an enlightened worldview.
A key discipline in shaping critical thinkers and promoting an open-minded society.
Discuss the relationship of Anthropology with Sociology.
1.2 (2) Discuss the relationship of Anthropology with Sociology.
Introduction:
Sociocultural anthropology and sociology’s intimate relationship.
Study of society in both disciplines.
Relationship between Anthropology and Sociology:
Similarities:
Social structure concepts.
Comparative study of social structure.
Sociological study background in social anthropology.
Influence of sociology on anthropology.
Anthropology helping sociology through discoveries.
Differences:
Anthropology’s holistic study vs. Sociology’s part study.
Anthropology includes simple and complex societies.
Methodological differences.
Conclusion:
Anthropology is a unique and holistic discipline studying society of man in total.
Discuss the relationship between Anthropology and Earth Sciences.
1.2 (4) Discuss the relationship between Anthropology and Earth Sciences.
Introduction:
Earth sciences include Geography and Geology.
Anthropology’s relationship with geography and geology.
Relationship with Geography:
Geography studies earth’s aspects: crust, landscape, climate, etc.
Cultural Ecology concept by Julian Steward.
Cultural core and superstructure relationship with the environment.
Relationship with Physical Anthropology:
Geography studies climate impact; Physical anthropology studies human adaptation.
Study of race and distribution common to both.
Relationship with Archaeological Anthropology:
Archaeology explaining prehistoric climatic regimes.
Methodological similarities in studying artifacts.
Relationship with Geology:
Geology studies rocks in the earth’s crust.
Methodological similarities with archaeological anthropology.
Importance in the study of fossils, relative dating, and Pleistocene geology.
Conclusion:
Relationship between geology and anthropology is methodological.
How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences?
1.2 (1) How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences?
Introduction:
Scientific study of human being in totality.
Focus on space and time.
Search for human existence and behavior in society.
Situating Anthropology in Social Sciences:
Studies evolution, culture, behavior, language, religion, and other social aspects.
Subfields: Physical/Biological, Socio-Cultural, Archeological, Linguistic.
Anthropology as a unique holistic discipline.
Different from other social sciences.
Conclusion:
Anthropology as a ‘whole social science’ studying human society comprehensively.
Anthropology as the Most Liberating Science
Flashcards for “Anthropology as the Most Liberating Science”
Introduction
Anthropology is the study of human beings in totality in terms of time and space.
Herskovits defines it as the science of man and his work.
Liberating Role of Anthropology
Exploding Myths
Debunking myths of social and cultural superiority.
Overcoming racism by placing all mankind on the same pedestal.
Contributions to Peace and Harmony
Attaining and maintaining peace and harmony, prerequisites for development.
Intellectual Liberation
Teaching critical thinking and providing intellectual equipment.
Forming an enlightened citizenry free from narrow and parochial feelings.
Conclusion
Anthropology liberates from fallacies, misnomers, and fosters an enlightened worldview.
A key discipline in shaping critical thinkers and promoting an open-minded society.
“Anthropology: Genetic and Cultural Differences”
Flashcards for “Anthropology: Genetic and Cultural Differences”
Genetically Transmitted Differences
Examples: ABO Blood Group, RH Blood Group, Height, Eye Colour, Hair Colour, Skull Shape, Skin Colour.
Causes: Paternity/Parents, Mutation, Isolation, Migration, Selection, Inbreeding, Genetic Drift, Genetic Load.
Cultural Differences
Differences in eating, clothing, living habits, etc., can lead to conflicts.
Anthropological principle: Cultural Relativism helps understand and tolerate cultural differences.
Cultural Relativism
Anthropological attitude: All cultural patterns are equally valid.
Objective view through each culture’s problems, logic, and rationale.
Opposes ethnocentrism (belief in one’s cultural superiority).
Features: Every cultural pattern is valid, neutrality, non-judgmental appreciation, understanding cultural strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
Anthropology studies genetic and cultural differences.
Cultural relativism helps comprehend and respect diverse cultural practices.
Comparative Method in Anthropology”
Flashcards for “Comparative Method in Anthropology”
Definition of Comparative Method
Practice of equating contemporary primitive society with the past and comparing it with industrial society.
Traces origin and evolution of society.
Proponents of Comparative Method
Evolutionists like E.B. Tylor and L. H. Morgan supported this method.
Used to illustrate past and aid in evolutionary understanding.
Methodology
Involves sending questionnaires to administrators or missionaries in the studied human group’s jurisdiction.
Uses of Comparative Method
Studies and compares different societies to universalize analysis of evolution.
Generates scientific laws describing human behavior.
Examples
Cross-cultural survey of G.P. Murdock, later converted into Human Relations Area Files.
Criticism
Primitive societies seen as descendants of prehistoric society.
Assumption of no change for millions of years questioned.
Terming them survival of past relics criticized as derogatory.
“Why Anthropology?”
Flashcards for “Why Anthropology?”
Introduction
Anthropology’s uniqueness and relevance distinguish it from other social sciences.
A scientific study of human beings in totality in terms of space and time.
Anthropology as a Synthetic Science
Strong links with other social sciences and biological sciences.
Contribution in the human sphere is unique.
Major Issues Resolved by Anthropology
Understanding Human Differences
Debunking myths about tribals being savage.
Cultural relativism exposes cultural arrogance.
Study of human races disproves racism myths.
Physical differences result from adaptation to the environment.
Understanding Ourselves
Anthropological studies show behavior is learned, not inherited.
Cultural relativism aids in solving problems and reducing rivalry between groups.
Applied Anthropology
Utilized in policy making and administration, considering cultural variations.
Action Anthropology
Anthropologists involved in planning and administering tribal development policies.
Unique Approaches of Anthropology
Holism, participant observation, cross-cultural studies contribute to holistic understanding.
Conclusion
Anthropology’s holistic nature makes its study imperative.
Unique contributions in understanding human differences, applied anthropology, and action anthropology.
“Origin and Development of Anthropology”
Flashcards for “Origin and Development of Anthropology”
Introduction
Anthropology traces back to philosophers like Herodotus and Aristotle in the 4th century B.C.
Informal Beginning
Greeks and Romans, including Herodotus, Aristotle, Lucretius, and Tacitus, conducted early studies.
Unsystematic Beginning
Renaissance and colonialism contributed to the informal development of anthropology.
Scholars like Herbert Spencer talked about anthropology in the wake of the French revolution.
Coined Term “Anthropology”
Term coined in the 16th century by a German university professor.
Initially understood as systematic examination of the evolution of man.
Differentiation as a Discipline
Efforts by writers like Montaigne, Bodin, and Pascal to distinguish anthropology as a separate discipline.
Early Publications
Early works include French naturalist Georges Buffon’s “Histoire Naturelle.”
Charles Darwin’s “Voyage of the Beagle” and “Origin of Species” were revolutionary.
Systematic Beginning
In the 19th century, anthropology systematically synthesized as a separate discipline.
Combined various branches like Physical Anthropology and Sociocultural Anthropology.
Branches of Anthropology
Physical Anthropology, led by Johann F. Blumenbach, originated in the 16th century.
Sociocultural Anthropology began in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Darwinism vs. Colonialism
Role of Darwinism: Influenced anthropology but cannot be solely credited as its origin.
Role of Colonialism: Information gathered during colonialism contributed to anthropological theories.
Development in 19th & 20th Century
Edward Tylor and Franz Boas played significant roles.
Fieldwork introduced by Malinowski transformed anthropology into an art and craft.
Challenges in Development
Slow development due to Eurocentric views and lack of recognition of human diversity.
Early anthropologists relied on secondary data; fieldwork introduced a sense of detachment.
Maturation of Anthropology
Scholars from natural science backgrounds brought scientific temper and objectivity.
Specializations like Political anthropology and Legal anthropology developed.
Meaning and Definition of Anthropology”
Flashcards for “Meaning and Definition of Anthropology”
Definition of Anthropology
Study of man in totality in terms of time and space.
Science of man and his works and behavior.
Etymology of Anthropology
Derived from Greek words “anthropos” (man) and “logos” (study or science).
Comprehensive Definition
Science of man in its totality in terms of space and time.
Holistic Study
Anthropology encompasses both prehistoric and contemporary societies.
Studies past and present, far and near aspects of human beings.
Clyde Kluckhohn’s Perspective
Anthropology is the science closest to the total study of man.
Holistic or synthesizing discipline.
Other Scholarly Definitions
Jacobs and Stern: Scientific study of physical, social, and cultural development of humans.
Kroeber: Science of groups of men and their behavior and production.
Herskovits: Measurement
of human beings.
Conclusion
Anthropology is a holistic study, distinguishing it from other social sciences.
Comprehensive examination of human beings.