1. Anthropology Flashcards
What is the main difference between symbolic approaches to cultural analysis opposed to earlier theoretical frameworks in anthropology (evolutionism, functionalism, structuralism)?
Symbolic anthropology focuses on how people interpret symbols and meanings in their society, rather than searching for universal rules. It’s a flexible approach that values understanding culture from within, by talking to people and observing their behavior.
How is liminality and communitas related to social change in Turner’s ritual theory?
Liminality (being between roles) and communitas (strong unity) drive social change. Liminality allows for reflection on cultural values, while communitas fosters equality and challenges norms. Together, they enable questioning of old ways, generating new ideas, and collaborative efforts for change.
What social functions rites of passage have in premodern societies?
Rites of passage in older societies helped people know their roles, built community bonds, and kept society running smoothly. They guided individuals through life changes, reinforced shared values, and provided support during important transitions.
What is thick description, and why is it relevant to anthropology?
Thick description is like zooming in on cultural practices to understand their deeper meanings in a specific context. It allows anthropologists to understand culture as subjective, complex, and contextual, rather than universal or structural. Thick description is relevant because it promotes cultural understanding, respects cultural diversity, and facilitates holistic analyses of societies.
What is Geertz’s standpoint on objectivity of ethnographic accounts?
Geertz says ethnographic accounts can’t be totally objective because understanding culture involves interpretation, not just observation.
Why are the literary qualities of ethnographic writings relevant to the discipline?
The literary qualities of ethnographic writings in anthropology help make complex cultural ideas easier to understand and connect with. By using storytelling and vivid description, they bring cultural contexts to life, challenge stereotypes, and engage multiple senses, making the reading experience more immersive.
How does Clifford describe the different constrains on ethnographic writings?
These challenges include managing diverse data, avoiding oversimplification, addressing questions about authority, and justifying research choices.
Symbolic anthropology
Focuses on understanding cultural symbols and meanings within societies, rather than seeking universal rules (switch from methodology and structure to a more interpretative approach).
Evolutionism
Seeks to identify stages of cultural development and progress.
Functionalism
Focuses on the function or role of cultural practices, arguing that they served a specific purpose in maintaining the stability of a society.
Structuralism
Analyzes the structures and rules that existed within cultures.
How are liminality and communitas linked to social changes?
They create an environment where people can question old ways, come up with new ideas, and work together for change.
Liminality
When people are between social roles, like during major life transitions (limbo state). It gives them a chance to rethink cultural values and is characterized by no possessions (no social status, no roles, no properties).
Communitas
It happens during liminality and brings people together as equals (no hierarchy), giving them a sense of potential and provoking thought and action that can challenge the way things are normally done and lead to social change.
Rites of passage
They guided individuals through important life transitions, playing vital roles in education (transmission of values, beliefs, and cultural knowledge), community building (helped fight uncertainty, avoid danger, resolve conflict), and maintaining social order (reinforce existent social norms)
