Introduction to Anthropology Flashcards
Define holism.
Taking a broad view of the historical, cultural and environmental foundations of behaviour.
Essentially, looking at every possible thing that could impact behaviour within a culture how how these things interact.
Define the comparative approach.
Examining different aspects of different cultures and wondering WHY they are different.
What are the four fields within anthropology?
Linguistic, physical/biological, cultural, archaeology
What is the limitation of holism?
Not very specific, explanations that it provides can be very vague and not suitable for research in certain areas.
Some issues require different contexts to be able to be studied.
Define dualism.
The idea that the mind and body are two separate entities.
Define cultural relativism.
The idea that we need to understand different components of a persons culture through their own perspective and not our own.
What is archaeology?
The subset of anthropology that focuses on the physical remnants left behind by different societies. These objects are then analyzed and used to understand what past cultures may have looked like.
What is biological anthropology?
The study of human origins, evolution and variation. Some biological anthropologists focus on our closest living relatives, while some study extinct human species.
What is linguistic anthropology?
Study of language and its impact on culture.
What is cultural anthropology?
The study of similarities and differences of living societies and cultural groups around the world.
Why is “culture not your friend”
Limits people’s agency, and forces them into predetermined boxes.
ex. you “should” do this this way because it is your culture, etc.
Define applied anthropology and give an example.
The use of anthropological theories and ideas to solve practical, real world problems.
Ex. medical anthropology looks at the relationship between health, illness and culture. What different cultures think may cause illness, etc.
Define the paradox of culture.
While culture may be limiting, it is needed for complete fulfillment and happiness.
Also, there can be many differing beliefs in one culture ex. political standing in Canada
Define ethical relativism.
That there are no absolute rights/wrongs across cultures and societies globally, and that ethicality depends on the individual’s perspective.
Define materialism
A Marxist principle stating the ways human social and cultural practices are driven by economic need.
Define culture.
A set of rules, beliefs, practices and symbols that are learned and shared, making a complete “whole” way of life that connects people and shapes worldviews.
Define cultural determinism.
That culture defines human behaviour and society, that cultures are contained and whole?
What are the 4 paradoxes of culture?
- Culture is continuous, but it changes
- Culture is bounded but mobile
- Culture is consensual but contested
- Culture is shared but it varies.
Who is Renato Rosaldo and why is he important to cultural anthropology?
Studied headhunting practice in the Philippines. (Hunting others and cutting off their heads due to grief).
Did not truly understand that grief way their sole reason for doing so until he lost his wife, and was able to understand more clearly.
