Past Paper Qs Flashcards
What can we learn from Frazer’s mistakes?
Ethnocentrism, Evolutionism, Misinterpretation, Lack of engagement, Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Anthropology starts from curiosity at the margins of empires. Discuss
Colonial Encounters and Ethnographic Curiosity, Imperial Knowledge Production, Othering and Power Dynamics, Anthropological Fieldwork on diverse communities, Critiques and Decolonisation
What are the features of UK anthropology?
UK : Historically influenced by British colonialism and imperialism.
Strong emphasis on social anthropology, particularly focused on the study of “society” and social structures.
Influenced by functionalist and structuralist theoretical frameworks.
Often engaged in ethnographic research in colonial and post-colonial contexts.
Strong tradition of interdisciplinary engagement with sociology, psychology, and philosophy.
Compare the theoretical frameworks of Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown
Malinowski: Functionalism, Participant Observation, Culture as an integrated system e.g. Trobriand Islanders’ Kula Ring, Fishing Expeditions, Ceremonial Gift Exchange
Radcliffe-Brown: Structural Functionalism, Comparative Method, Social Structure e.g. Kinship Systems of matrilineal Nuer and patrilineal Australian Aboriginal, Political organisation of segmentary lineage system among the Nuer, Economic exchange of goods and services among the Aboriginal Australians, where reciprocity and redistribution play key roles in maintaining social cohesion and solidarity.
Who are the key UK scholars?
A.R. Radcliffe-Brown: Known for his contributions to structural functionalism and the study of social structures in the Andaman Islands.
Bronisław Malinowski: Considered one of the founders of modern anthropology, Malinowski conducted ethnographic research in the Trobriand Islands and advocated for participant observation as a research method.
E.E. Evans-Pritchard: Renowned for his studies of kinship, political organisation, religion among the Nuer, and the development of structural-functionalism.
Mary Douglas: Known for her work on symbolic anthropology, particularly her analysis of cultural symbols, rituals, and taboos.
Edmund Leach: Notable for his structuralist analyses of kinship systems and social organisation, Leach emphasised the role of symbolic classification in shaping social relationships.
What are the features of US anthropology?
Shaped by the colonial history of North America and engagement with Indigenous cultures.
Emphasis on cultural anthropology, with a focus on the study of “culture” as a holistic system of beliefs, values, and practices.
Influenced by historical particularism, cultural relativism, and the rejection of cultural evolutionism.
Strong tradition of fieldwork-based research and ethnographic immersion.
Interdisciplinary engagement with psychology, linguistics, and archaeology.
Who are the key scholars of US anthropology?
Franz Boas: The Father of American anthropology, Boas advocated for cultural relativism and conducted pioneering ethnographic research among the Kwakiutl people in British Columbia.
Margaret Mead: Known for her studies of gender and sexuality in non-Western cultures, Mead conducted influential fieldwork in Samoa.
Ruth Benedict: Notable for her cultural studies, particularly her analysis of cultural patterns and configurations, as exemplified in her work “Patterns of Culture.”
Clifford Geertz: Renowned for his contributions to symbolic anthropology and interpretive anthropology, Geertz emphasised the role of symbols, rituals, and meaning-making in culture.
‘Anthropology is about studying other cultures.’ Discuss, in relation to Marxism and Anthropology
Critique of Orientalism: Marxist anthropologists, influenced by the work of Edward Said, have critiqued traditional anthropological approaches that exoticise and essentialise non-Western cultures as “other.” They argue that this perspective perpetuates colonial stereotypes and reinforces power dynamics between Western and non-Western societies.
Historical Materialism: Rather than viewing cultures as static and timeless entities, Marxist anthropologists analyse how social relations, modes of production, and economic structures shape cultural practices and beliefs. This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of culture, economy, and politics and challenges deterministic views of cultural development.
Class Struggle and Social Change: Marxist anthropology focuses on the dynamics of class struggle, inequality, and social change within societies. Rather than simply studying “other” cultures as isolated entities, Marxist anthropologists examine how capitalist globalisation, imperialism, and colonialism impact social relations and cultural practices around the world. This perspective emphasises the agency of marginalised groups in challenging dominant power structures and shaping processes of social transformation.
‘Anthropology is about studying other cultures.’ Discuss, in relation to Feminism and Anthropology
Critique of Ethnocentrism and Androcentrism: Ethnocentric and androcentric biases in anthropology contribute to the invisibility and marginalisation of women in cultural representations. Feminist anthropology advocates for a more inclusive and intersectional approach that recognises the diversity of women’s experiences across different cultures and societies.
Gender as a Social Construct: Feminist anthropologists challenge essentialist views of gender and emphasise the social construction of gender roles, identities, and relations. They analyse how gender is shaped by historical, cultural, and political contexts. This highlights the variability and fluidity of gender across cultures and how power dynamics intersect with gender inequality.
Engagement with Activism and Social Justice: Feminist anthropology emphasises the importance of political engagement and social activism in addressing gender inequality and social justice issues. Rather than maintaining a neutral or detached stance, feminist anthropologists advocate for collaborative research methods, participatory approaches, and advocacy on behalf of marginalised groups. This underscores the ethical imperative for anthropologists to use their research to promote social change and challenge systems of oppression.
‘Anthropology has an elective affinity with anarchism.’ Discuss the strengths of this claim.
Strengths:
Emphasis on Non-Hierarchical Social Relations: Anarchists advocate for the abolition of coercive authority and the creation of decentralised, self-governing communities based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. Anthropology often seeks to understand and celebrate the diversity of human social organisation, including non-hierarchical forms of governance found in Indigenous societies and small-scale communities.
Critique of Power and Domination: Anarchist theory critiques the state, capitalism, and other forms of authority that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Anthropology examines how power operates within societies, challenging ethnocentric biases and exposing the ways in which dominant groups maintain their privilege at the expense of marginalised communities.
Focus on Direct Action and Social Change: Anarchism emphasises the importance of direct action, solidarity, and grassroots organising as means of challenging unjust social hierarchies and creating alternative forms of social organisation. Similarly, anthropology has a long history of engagement with activism and social justice movements, with many anthropologists working alongside marginalised communities to address issues of social inequality, environmental justice, and human rights.
‘Anthropology has an elective affinity with anarchism.’ Discuss the limitations of this claim.
Ethical Dilemmas and Neutrality: Anthropological research often involves navigating complex power dynamics, conflicting interests, and ethical considerations, which may complicate direct alignment with activist agendas or political movements.
Diversity of Perspectives: Anarchism encompasses a diverse range of perspectives, ideologies, and practices, from individualist and mutualist anarchism to syndicalism and anarcho-feminism. Similarly, anthropology encompasses a wide spectrum of theoretical orientations, methodological approaches, and political commitments.
Practical Challenges of Implementation: While both anarchism and anthropology advocate for non-hierarchical social relations, the practical challenges of implementing anarchist principles on a large scale are significant. Anthropologists may engage in ethnographic research and community-based activism to promote social justice and equality, but transforming complex social systems requires sustained collective action, institutional change, and broader political mobilisation.
‘Female is to male as nature is to culture.’ Discuss in a historical context.
Historical Roots: In Ancient Greek philosophy and Judeo-Christian religious beliefs, women were often viewed as closer to nature due to their reproductive capacities and perceived connection to the cycles of life, while men were associated with reason, civilisation, and the shaping of cultural norms and institutions.
Enlightenment Ideals: During the Enlightenment era, Jean-Jacques Rousseau further developed this dichotomy, portraying women as inherently nurturing and tied to the domestic sphere, while men were depicted as rational agents capable of shaping society and culture.
‘Female is to male as nature is to culture.’ Give Feminist critiques.
Essentialism: This equation reduces complex human experiences and identities to simplistic binaries. Reinforces gender stereotypes and erases the diversity of women’s experiences and roles within society.
‘Female is to male as nature is to culture.’ Give alternative perspectives.
Intersectionality: Nature of gender, race, class, and other social categories highlights the ways in which multiple forms of oppression intersect and shape individuals’ experiences. This recognises the diversity of women’s experiences and challenges simplistic binary oppositions.
Social Constructionism: Gender roles, identities, and norms are socially constructed and historically contingent. This acknowledges the fluidity and variability of gender across different cultures and historical contexts.
‘Anthropology cannot remain aloof from the world – it must take sides.’ Discuss with reference to feminist anthropology.
Positionality and Reflexivity: Acknowledging the ways in which one’s own identities, experiences, and biases shapes one’s interpretations and analyses, aiming to avoid reproducing oppressive structures and to amplify the voices of marginalised individuals and communities.
Ethical Commitments: Commitment to social justice, gender equality, and the empowerment of marginalised groups. Prioritise research that addresses issues of gender-based violence, reproductive rights, economic inequality, and intersectional forms of oppression. They advocate for participatory research methods, collaborative partnerships with community members, and ethical practices that prioritise the well-being and agency of research participants.
Political Advocacy: Engage in activism and advocacy alongside their research, using their expertise to challenge patriarchal norms, advocate for policy change, and support grassroots movements for gender equality.
