Chapter 5: Theory

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

A formal description of some part of the world that explains how, in terms of cause and effect, that part of the world works.

Question 2

Unilineal Cultural Evolutionism

Answer 2

Considered the first theory of anthropology and developed by Herbert Spencer, this theory states that human societies increased in size and complexity like living organisms.

Question 3

Historical Particularism

Answer 3

Theory that focused on the histories of change in human societies. By comparing the culture histories of neighboring societies, they were able to track the diffusion of culture traits.

Question 4

Functionalism

Answer 4

Malinowski’s research program regarding the classification of the customs and beliefs of a culture based on their function towards meeting the needs of the people.

Question 5

Structural Functionalism

Answer 5

School of thought focused around how customs and beliefs function in a culture to uphold society.

Question 6

Structuralism

Answer 6

Culture differs because people partook in the combining and contrasting of elements (bricolage) from their own lifestyle and culture, which is why cultures are unique even though human mental structures are the same.

Question 7

Symbolic/Interpretive

Answer 7

Culture is made up of symbols and meanings that humans create, which is then used to provide direction, organization, and coherence in life.

Question 8

Historical Materialism

Answer 8

Focuses on the influence of material forces of history and explains the culture in regards with world-historical terms.

Question 9

Postmodernism

Answer 9

Focuses on how analyzing symbolic culture needs a reflexive, Interpretive approach that allows for highly detailed descriptions of culture that also highlights individuals experiences.