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Branches of Anthropology Cultural How humans thinks, feel and behave How cultures vary Linguistics Study language and communication systems How culture is passed down to subsequent generations
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What is Anthropology?
The study of humankind everywhere throughout time.
Past, present and future Humans and ancestorsGlobal perspective
Provides perspectives on how people differ from one another and how they are the same.
Branches of Anthropology
Physical humans as biological organisms Evolutionary development Biological variation
Archaeology Recover info about past cultures by examining
Material objects Skeletal remains settlements
Branches of Anthropology
Cultural How humans thinks, feel and behave How cultures vary
Linguistics Study language and communication systems How culture is passed down to subsequent
generations
How is Anthropology Done?
IT IS A SCIENCE Formulate and test hypotheses
Aim to develop robust theories about our species
DATA collection by Fieldwork Lab studies
Compared to other disciplines
Cross-culturalLong-term perspectiveHolistic People Place Culture
Core Ideas
Study humans and relatives of humans in order to determine what it means "to be human"
Attempts to understand humankind are not recent phenomenon but only practical with advent of accessible travel. GLOBAL in nature.
Diversity is acceptedHOLISTIC - rather than focus on one subtopic or
component, Anthropology looks at interconnections and interdependence of human experience.
Willingness to draw on expertise of other fields to explain observed phenomena
Read first then discuss
Attempts to avoid studies/ideas that are "culture-bound". Try to reduce ethnocentric thinking. Pg 6 - infants and sleeping with or without parents.
Acts as a sounding board/testing lab for the theories of psychologists/sociologists, etc. Pg 7 - organ transplants in different cultures.
Anthropology uses/creates Theory Research Methodology Applications Pg 10-11 - forensic examination of genocide victims.
Fieldwork Issues/Concerns
How does one remain unbiased/impartial while becoming involved with study group?
Can learn more if enmeshed in culture but lose observer perspective
Comparative Method
Used to assess theories
Compare data of biological/cultural/linguistic or historical nature of 2 or more groups to understand larger patterns.
Best theories are based on WORLDWIDE comparisons.
Example of Comp. Method
Ex: Height is advantageous. In Masai: Allows for better detection of predators on
Savanna. In Pygmy: Small stature allows for better navigation of
rainforest environments. By comparing height and environment, better theory
can be developed. Height is indicative of environment in which population
evolved. Data comes from Evolutionary studies. Temperature also plays a role. SA:V ratio. Tall thin is
better in hot, Short round is better in cold. Data comes from Physiology.
Ethics
What will findings be used for?What happens when research objectives are
at odds with belief/tradition?Who decides what constitutes "betterment"
or aid?How to rectify cultural relativism with global
opinion/standards? Ex: Sharia law vs. Common law
How to maintain privacy, dignity, etc?
Globalization
Effects are both + and –
Loss of cultural identity
Rapid dissemination of information/knowledge
Other issues
Pg 20-21 for examples