What is Anthropology Flashcards
Two Greek Terms for Anthropology
Anthropos: “man” or by extension “human”
Logos: “study of’ or “science of”
What is anthropology
It is the study of human diversity in time and space
Focuses on differences and similarities in the ways societies are structured and cultural meanings are created
Holistic, integrative, and comparative
Holistic
we study the whole of the human condition (e.g., the past, present, biology, society, and language).
Integrative
We combine evidence from multiple fields
Comparative
We take a cross-cultural perspective in much of our research
Ethnography
The systematic study and recording of human cultures
A qualitative method that includes researchers immersing themselves in the lives, cultures, or situations they are studying
Includes participation and observation of the studied culture, situation, or group
Written as a description and analysis
Corporate Anthropology
Help companies market products to the intended population
Not only about consumerism
Example: Simultaneously helping people with diabetes and pharmaceutical companies that sell insulin
Design Anthropology
Can be considered a subdivision of corporate anthropology
Looks at ways the design of food spaces can shape peoples’ relationships to food
Legal Anthropology
Looks at how laws are made and enforced
ex: who owns representations of famous people?
Political Anthropology
Political ecology – combining politics and ecology
Working (often with Indigenous groups) to address issues of land scarcity and access
Example: Standing Rock
Medical Anthropology
Looking at social, biological, and linguistic factors that influence health and well being
Studies healthcare access and local experiences of health and wellness
Example: Indigenous herbal anthropology
Educational Anthropology
Looking at issues in educational access
Example: how is education
policy actually experienced by newcomer students?
