1. Digging into Anthropology
HSP3M
Digging into Anthropology

2. Two Types of Anthropology
Cultural: Examines cultural variations, with a focus on proving that culture is a part of our human nature
Physical: Studies evolution, genetic variation, and inheritance, adaptability using both the fossil record and modern day genetic research.

3. Anthropology and Social Phenomena
Anthropology explores social phenomena from a cultural perspective
Because of this perspective, anthropologists often research how cultures begin, develop, survive, and thrive.
Anthropologists pose important questions concerning the continuation of poverty, racism, violence, and social inequality around the world

4. For example…
why do humans have such different ways of living, thinking, and acting?
why do gender differences exist?
how does technology influence cultures?
what is the impact of our ever-expanding global village?

5. Another example
The rapidly increasing availability and decreasing costs in communication technology (internet, , cell phones, VOIP, podcasts, etc) has increased exponentially idea and culture transmissions across vast distances.
Pros: Allows for the sharing of diverse cultural beliefs
Cons: Leads to the loss (via assimilation and/or flooding) of some cultures’ beliefs

6. Culture The Latin translation of culture (cultura) is “to cultivate”
The dictionary definition for culture is “the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.”
From this second definition, you can see that culture necessarily needs certain aspects.

7. Culture
Take a moment to jot down a list of the necessary elements of culture

8. Homework Question
Does communication technology enhance or diminish cultural awareness and variety?
Write a short (1/2 page) explanation of your opinion on this and why you believe it.