Malinowski Flashcards
anthropology
the study of human societies and cultures and their development.
ethnographic
1.relating to the scientific description of peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.
Ethnography
Ethnography is a branch of anthropology and the systematic study of individual cultures and ethnic groups. Ethnography explores cultural phenomena from the point of view of the subject of the study
* An ethnographer observers and records these customs, habits, and mutual differences.
An Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanesian New Quinea
Background
Melanesian Islands near Australia where people with darker complexion have blonde hair. Part of pacific islands
Provides a detailed and comprehensive examination of the Trobriand Islanders’ economic and social systems in the region of Melanesia, specifically the Trobriand Islands.
‣ One of the founding document of economic anthropology!
Bronisław Kasper Malinowsk
Bronisław Kasper Malinowski (April 7, 1884 – May 16, 1942) was a Polish-British anthropologist widely considered to be one of the most important anthropologists of the twentieth century because of his pioneering work on ethnographic fieldwork.
‣ Considered one of the 4 founders of anthropology
‣ Gifted us enthographic fieldwork
‣ First to develop a methodology of how to examine new cultures. Talks to us how it is not
enough to just ask some a question
Context:
Colonial times - note the terms used
‣ armchair anthropologists
“Someone who studies or talks about anthropology without actually going out into the world to observe or experience different cultures directly. Instead, they rely on books, articles, or other people’s research from the comfort of their armchair (a comfortable chair). It’s like learning about the world without actively going out to explore it firsthand.”Many terms used cannot be used in todays language. These terms include savages, natives, barbaric, tribal and subjects
‣ Malinowski speaks of the local people in a very derogative way
Malonowski work and today
We are still reading him today as it helps to provide historical context of how people saw local people in the past.
* His work is important for todays development as it provides a frame work of how not to respond.
* Relevant as he is a true example of how anthropology emulated from. He would have had an
outside impact on other anthropologists.
* Even tho there are problems with his work, we can learn from these problematic things in and
evolve as anthropologists.
* Shows evolution of anthropology ad how it has changed.
* Even in the text he even acknowledges how due to not being able to speak the language.
* When his work was leaked it was revealed how disrespectful he was towards these people.
This work can be used to acknowledges the distorted perceptions and dehumanisation that anthropologist do yet contradicts this.
Summary
“Argonauts of the Western Pacific” by Bronislaw Malinowski is an ethnographic study focusing on the trade, magic, and cultural traditions of the Trobriand people, centering around a trade phenomenon called the Kula. Chapter 1 sets the scene and gives an overview of the Kula and important cultural practices. It begins with Malinowski’s intention to redefine how anthropological research is conducted, emphasising in-person, intensive research rather than relying on outdated stereotypes and secondhand data. The chapter introduces the Kula, a trade phenomenon involving the circulation of two kinds of jewellery—bracelets made from white shells and necklaces made from red shells—which hold no monetary value but are highly prized and confer social status to their owner. The Kula occurs during massive trading events organised by village chiefs and during smaller events throughout the year. The chapter also touches on the natives’ agricultural customs, magical beliefs and practices, gender roles, and the construction of Trobriand canoes and tools
* The Kula: A complex system of trade and exchange where valuable items, such as white shell bracelets and red shell necklaces, circulate without monetary value but bestow social prestige upon their owners
* Magical Practices: Various rituals and spells play a crucial role in Trobriand society, influencing everyday life and interactions..
Throughout the book, Malinowski emphasises the importance of direct participation and immersion into the community to accurately understand and document their customs and traditions
The secret of effective fieldwork according to Malinowski
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Having proper conditions for ethnographic fieldwork
Have to stay with and be among the people you are going to be studying ‣ One gains respect
Participate in their day
People can initially be alarmed or scared by the present of the researcher
Poses real scientific principles and aims
Must actively participate (participation observation) and become part of the society Critically engage
Guard against bias and your preconceived ideas and notions (pg 7-9)
Record dates of events and take note of
how many people are involved in them
Special methods of collecting evidence
Surveys, maps, and diagram
‣ Conversations and interviews are more
important tho
“Cross-fertilisation of constructive work and observation”
Importance of taking notes and having an infographic diary
