Cultural Anthropology a brief overview

What is Cultural Anthropology? the study of how culture shapes human behaviour (learned) and ideas early 20th Century: studied non-industrial, non-Western cultures today: research on all cultures, in both urban and rural settings What is Cultural Anthropology? the study of how culture shapes human behaviour (learned) and ideas in the early 20th Century, cultural anthropologists typically studied non-industrial, non-Western cultures their goal was to record the practices of these cultures before they became absorbed and assimilated by colonial or industrial nations and cultures today, however, cultural anthropologists conduct research on all cultures, in both urban and rural settings they do this both in cultures around the world, and within their own culture

How do Cultural Anthropologists Gather Information? research and knowledge is based on observation make reasonable and objective conclusions from their data (observations) How do Cultural Anthropologists Gather Information? research and knowledge of cultures is based on observation from these observations, anthropologists objectively make reasonable conclusions from their data

The Importance of Objectivity anthropologists are NOT to impose judgements on unfamiliar practices and ways that they observe ethnocentrism: the tendency to judge other cultures by one’s own values cultural relativism: an attitude of respect and acceptance for other cultures in how they have developed ways to survive and meet the needs of their environment; must record observations honestly, accurately, and objectively The Importance of Objectivity anthropologists are NOT to impose value judgements on unfamiliar practices and ways that they observe if they do, this is called ethnocentrism ethnocentrism: the tendency to judge other cultures by one’s own values includes looking to other cultures as being strange or inferior ethnocentrism MUST be combated in order for cultures to be accurately studies and fully appreciated cultural anthropologists believe that all cultures should be respected for the ways they have developed to survive and to meet the challenges of their environment this is called cultural relativism cultural relativism: an attitude of respect and acceptance for other cultures in how they have developed ways to survive and meet the needs of their environment; the recording of observations honestly, accurately, and objectively

however… anthropologists don’t have to agree or approve of practices they observe, BUT they must strive to understand these practices and record them honestly and accurately adhering to cultural relativism doesn’t mean that anthropologist must agree or approve of practices they observe in other cultures, BUT it does mean that they will strive to understand these practices and will record them honestly and accurately

The FIVE Branches: archaeology: the cultural anthropology of the past, particularly prehistoric cultures The Five Branches of Cultural Anthropology cultural anthropology takes five difference “forms” archaeology: the cultural anthropology of the past, particularly prehistoric cultures material and human remains left by ancient cultures are analyzed to discover what these early humans were like, where they lived, and how they lived evidence archaeologists look for: tools, shelter, clothing, vessels, and other materials – work with fossilized remains search for clues that indicate how early cultures provided for their needs example: Ötzi, the Ice Man uncovered in the Alps of Austria alone; broken ribs; laid down at some point; body froze and was hidden found with body preserved, and clothes, tools, and weapons intact

The FIVE Branches…continued archaeology: the cultural anthropology of the past, particularly prehistoric cultures applied anthropology: the action-oriented branch of cultural anthropology which takes a hands-on approach to issues such as waste disposal, pollution, and health care anthropological linguistics: the study of language, a specific part of culture The Five Branches of Cultural Anthropology applied anthropology: the action-oriented branch of cultural anthropology which takes a hands-on approach to issues such as waste disposal, pollution, and health care use the information they find to solve practical problems will share this information to assist cultures that are in need (i.e. better way to cultivate crops) anthropological linguistics: the study of language, a specific part of culture use documents, existing research, or tape-recorded interviews s study changes in language over time, how languages are related, and the meaning of language to the people that speak it find out why we say the things we do (i.e. “Hey” to your friend, versus “Good Morning” to your boss)

The FIVE Branches…continued: ethnology: the study and comparison of past and contemporary cultures ethnography: an in-depth description of a particular culture (a case study) ethnology: the study and comparison of past and contemporary cultures look at cultural beliefs, practices, and patterns of thought and behaviour compare and contrast how different cultures approach the same thing ethnography: an in-depth description of a particular culture (a case study) may live with the culture for a year or more participant observation, talking with members, recording thoughts and behaviours to be good ethnographers, must learn the cultural language, gain the trust of the people, and take part in everyday life must refrain from interfering with the culture and must remain objective