Chapter 1 – Introduction to Anthropology

What is anthropology? Anthropology is the systematic study of humankind.  - man  - word/study Emergence of the discipline Two major goals: Understand uniqueness and diversity Discover fundamental similarities

Four-field Approach Four subdisciplines bridge science and humanities: Physical Anthropology Archaeology Linguistics Cultural Anthropology

Physical Anthropology Primarily concerned with humans as a biological species Most closely related to natural sciences Major research areas: Human evolution Modern human variation Subdisciplines: Palaeoanthropology, primatology, forensics, palaeopathology, human osteology, genetics

Archaeology Archaeologists seek out and examine the artifacts (material products) of past societies. Archaeology is not treasure-hunting (a la Indiana Jones). Subdisciplines of archaeology: Prehistoric, historic, Classical, Biblical, underwater Modern “trash”

Linguistic Anthropology Subfield of anthropology, philosophy, and English Main research areas: How language is used Relationship between language and culture How humans acquire language Fields of linguistics: Structural, historical, sociolinguistics

Cultural Anthropology Sometimes known as ethnology, cultural anthropology examines contemporary societies and cultures throughout the world. Participant observation: Ethnography Ethnographic data

Holism and Applied Anthropology Training in all four fields required Links to other social sciences Sociology, psychology, economics, political science, history Applied Anthropology Sometimes called the 5th field Offers practical solutions to cultural problems Chapter 18

The Scientific Method A logical system used to evaluate data derived from systematic observation. Inductive – first data, then theory Deductive – first theory, then evaluation Inductive Model Deductive Model

Anthropology and Humanities (Post-processual approaches) Humanistic interpretive approach Analogies Used primarily in cultural anthropology Examples of humanistic subdisciplines: Ethnopoetics, ethnomusicology, art, myth, literature More in Chapter 6

Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging another society by the values and standards of one’s own society. Nacirema discussion Cultural relativism is the view that cultural traditions must be understood within the context of a particular society’s responses to problems and opportunities. Relativism exercise

The Nacirema How do the Nacirema differ from other cultures you are familiar with? How are they the same? This article was written in the 1950s—do you think it’s too harsh a look at anthropology Do you think this article helps you recognize your own cultural biases? Define ethnocentrism. Does this article speak to the problems with ethnocentrism?

Great Britain - 1966

Guinea Bissau, Africa

The Americas

The Netherlands

Italy

Tibet, 1997

Mexico - November 1

U.S. - Virginia, 2000

Cultural Relativism The values of one culture should not be used as standards to evaluate the behavior of persons from outside that culture; a society’s custom and beliefs should by described objectively. Modern approach: We should strive for objectivity and not be too quick to judge; however, there are some moral absolutes that are removed from culture. Discussion: Afghani women, refugees Medical aid workers September 11th