October 22, 2010

Agenda Colours of Society Introduction to Self: An Anthropological Approach Cultural Anthropology Margaret Mead and her comparative study Nature vs. Nurture Case Studies Assignment: Debate

Colours of Society In your groups, read and understand the cultural significance for each colour.

Colours of Society

Introduction to Self: Anthropological Approach What is the self? Anthropologists believe that concepts of the self, and who we are is culturally constructed. Cultural Anthropology: the study of how culture shapes human ideas and learned behaviour.

Cultural Anthropology Cultural Anthropology: the study of how culture shapes human ideas and learned behaviour. Ethnocentrism: the tendency to judge other cultures b y one’s own values Cultural Relativism: respecting and accepting all cultures

Margaret Mead ( ) Conducted field work in New Guinea, Polynesia and other Pacific Islands Findings supported the notion that the learned culture, not biology (nurture not nature) largely determines human behaviour Study: Arapesh/Mundagumor /Tchambuili

Comparative Study

Conclusions Most personality traits associated with ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ are due to learned behaviour and not heredity. Nurture determined human behaviour not nature.

Nature vs. Nurture Nature: inherited, biological characteristics Nurture: learned, environmental forces Which has more of an impact on personality development?

Case Studies “The Boy Who was Raised a Girl” from The Human Way. Excerpt from the text book Human Way, Images of Society, about Twin Studies

Assignment- Debate Groups of 4 2 people will be arguing for nature 2 people will be arguing for nurture Use the examples given in class as well as other resources to compile information for your debate. Follow the guidelines and rubric on the assignment page. Due on October 29 th, 2010

Conclusion Self and Others Margaret Mead Nature vs. Nurture