Lecture 4: History, Theories & Methods Flashcards
two distinctive features in cultural anthropology
- Cross-cultural comparison
- Ethnographic field research
ethnographic field research
Traditionally, process of becoming cultural anthropologist required field experience in another society.
ethnographic techniques
are participant observation, conversation, the genealogical method, detailed work with key consultants and in-depth interviewing
participant observations
ethnographers pay attention to and record the details of daily life (diary, establishing rapports, cannot be totally detached
conversation and interviewing
participation in local life means constantly talking to people and asking question (small talk, survey, interview schedule)
genealogical method
using diagrams and symbols to record kin connections (prominent building block in nonindustrial societies) / social network analysis
key informants
expert on a particular aspect of local life / people who can provide most useful or complete information
life histories
a personal portrait of someones life in a culture (reveals how people perceive, react and contribute to changes)
emic approach
internally oriented, investigates how members of society think
etic approach
externally oriented, emphasizes categories and interpretations
problem-oriented ethnography
specific problem to investigate (gather information on specific factors)
online ethnograph
Virtual research employs techniques similar to those used by other ethnographers
netnography
Anthropology of online communities
code of ethics
recognizes anthropologists have obligations to their scholarly field, to the wider society, and to the human species, other species, and the environment. Informed consent: agreement to take part in research—after having been informed about its nature, procedures, and possible impacts
association
observed relationship between two or more variables e.g. ethnicity and income
theory
a set of ideas formulated to explain something
informed consent
agreement to take part in research—after having been informed about its nature, procedures, and possible impacts
historical particularism
histories are not comparable; diverse paths can lead to same cultural result. Rejected comparative method of evolutionists
functionalism
an approach focusing on the role of sociocultural practices in social systems
interpretive anthroplogy
study of a culture as a system of meaning
agency
actions that individuals take, both alone and in groups, in forming and transforming cultural identities
practice theory
individuals in a society or culture have diverse motives and intentions and different degrees of power and influence; Pierre Bourdieu and Anthony Giddens
synchronic
studying societies as they
exist today
diachronic
studying societies across time
