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, 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 5 th field Offers practical solutions to cultural problems

Great Britain

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: Examples of moral absolutes?

Introduction to Sociology

Sociology defined and explained Question: What is Sociology? Answer: The Scientific study of human societies and social behavior.

A Systematic Approach Q: Is it a science? A: Yes, sociologists begin their work by proposing questions of importance to them and then designing a research project that will enable them to ascertain the answers to their major research questions. Q: Is it organized? A: Yes, sociological investigations proceed systematically. As a social science, sociology is a discipline that is organized and methodical and it’s endeavors are undertaken for the purpose of enhancing knowledge.

Defining the Sociological Perspective “Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interactions.” What makes sociology “scientific?” Personal experience Awareness of friends Systematic study with drug use and associates’ patterns of a random of drug use sample of drug users Levels of Understanding Drug Use

Sociology and Common Sense Common sense assumptions are usually based on very limited observation. Moreover, the premises on which common sense assumptions are seldom examined. Sociology seeks to: use a broad range of carefully selected observations; and theoretically understand and explain those observations. While sociological research might confirm common sense observation, its broader base and theoretical rational provide a stronger basis for conclusions.

I am not an Animal!!! Sociologists examine groups of humans in an effort to understand the nature, meaning and significance of human group relationships. NOTE: Sociologists are not interested in animal species.

Social behavior Sociologists examine the following: 1.What people do that affect others around them. 2.“things” that people do after they have given thought to how others might respond to their acts, especially when the people are aggregated into groups.

The least we need to know… Sociology seeks to understand how groups work, how groups influence one another, and how groups influence the things that individuals do.

Sociology vs. Anthropology One branch of anthropology (cultural) shares an interest with sociology in its focus on cultural issues. The other branches, archaeology and physical anthropology are different in their study of relics and skeletal remains to understand peoples of the past.

Sociology vs. Psychology Psychology attempts to explain why individuals act, or how individuals influence other’s behavior. Remember, sociology attempts to explain how and why groups act or how groups influence individual’s behaviors.

Sources Introduction to Anthropology Introduction to Anthropology Introduction to Anthropology Introduction to Sociology Introduction to Sociology