Schools of thought Flashcards
What is a school of thought
a way of thinking (Perspective)
Who were the first anthropologists
- European powers
- Early explorers
- Inter
What is cultural relativism
Rather than comparing a foreign culture to your own culture, understand the foreign culture on its own terms, while seeing the changes over time.
Who introduced the idea of cultural relativism
Franz Boaz, a German anthropologist who came to study the first nations of Canada
What is a functional theory
Every idea, belief, action or relationship in a culture is to meet the specific needs of the individuals to ensure survival between nations. The functional theory also promotes interdependence between nations.
Who is the anthropologist associated with the functional theory?
Bronislaw Malinowski
what is Cultural Materialism
Materials or conditions within the environment such as climate, food and geography influences how culture develops. Things must also be beneficial to society, or else they will disappear.
Who pioneered cultural Materialism
Marvin Harris
What time period was cultural relativism
Early twentieth century
what period was the functional theory
During WW1
what period is cultural materialism
20th century in the 1960s
What are the 3 stages of the development of culture
Infrastructure: Resources, Population, Land
Structure: A societies familial, political, economic, and social systems
Superstructure: A societies ideas, values, religion, and symbols
