Anthropology Flashcards
What is social science?
The study of human behavior, including thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Why do social scientists study society?
To understand human experiences by examining cultures and behaviors through firsthand research.
Is society static or dynamic?
Dynamic—constantly changing.
What is anthropology?
The study of humankind around the world and throughout time, covering both biological and cultural aspects.
What are the four main branches of anthropology?
- Physical Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Linguistic Anthropology
H-GAPFF
What does Physical Anthropology study?
Human evolution, genetics, adaptability, primatology (apes), fossil records, and forensics.
What does Cultural Anthropology study?
Culture, ethnocentrism, communication, survival, kinship, social control, politics, class, ethnicity, gender, religion, and cultural change.
What does Archaeology study?
Early cultures, cultural evolution, and methods for excavating and analyzing material remains.
What does Linguistic Anthropology study?
The role of language in culture, community, and communication.
What are the primary ways anthropologists conduct research?
Archaeology, DNA & Forensic Testing, Ethnology, Collection of Statistics, Field Interviews, Participant Observation, Ethnography.
Who was Dian Fossey?
Studied gorillas by immersing herself in their environment, advocated against poaching, murdered in 1985; case remains unsolved.
Who was Jane Goodall?
Studied chimpanzees for over 45 years, discovered similarities between chimp and human behavior.
How do anthropologists view culture?
As a constantly changing organism.
How do anthropologists study social change?
Compare past and present cultures, use participant observation, analyze external/internal influences.
What is Diffusion?
The spread of a cultural trait through contact with another culture.
What is Acculturation?
The process of contact, exposure, and exchange of ideas between cultures, leading to mutual change.
What is Direct Change?
When one culture forces another to change, e.g., Indian Residential Schools.
What are the key questions in Functionalism?
What purpose does an institution serve? How does it contribute to social stability?
What are the core beliefs of Functionalism?
Cultures address universal human problems, institutions serve the majority’s best interest.
What are the limitations of Functionalism?
Assumes society is stable, downplays negative aspects of institutions.
What are the key questions in Structuralism?
How does the human mind work? How are its principles reflected in culture?
What are the core beliefs of Structuralism?
Cultures follow logical structures based on opposites (e.g., good vs. evil).
What are the limitations of Structuralism?
Overemphasizes logic, assumes stability in society.
What are the key questions in Cultural Materialism?
How do population and economic factors influence culture? Are there universal laws of cultural development?
What are the core beliefs of Cultural Materialism?
A culture’s material conditions shape its ideas and institutions.
What are the three levels of culture in Cultural Materialism?
- Infrastructure (economy, technology, survival needs)
- Structure (social organization, laws, politics, family)
- Superstructure (beliefs, values, religion)
What are the limitations of Cultural Materialism?
Tries to apply broad laws to all cultures, can be biased by forcing everything into a model.
