Amanda Homer-Nichol
Social Anthropology
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Anthropology
Anthropology
'The Science of Humanity'
The field of Anthropology has many different tangent, but one familiar thread... us!.
From the evolution of Homo Sapiens, to their ethnic constructs, sociocultural characteristics and behaviours. This is the study of people and the understanding of humankind across time and place.
Most humans are prone to ethnocentricy of some kind, in that their ethnicity or lifestyle compliments their own culture and belief systems as it is what they are most familar with. Some may even think they are 'superior' in terms of their personal identity and patriotism. The 'other', is then viewed as 'primative / alien / foreign / weird / abnormal' subjects of society and culture, and often treated as such. This has been a common phenomena throughout history, and still is.
Cultural relativism is the understanding of a culture within its own context, i.e. acknowledging that cultural beliefs, values, and practices may not have meaning when judging them by one's own cultural standards. Anthropologist Franz Boas stated that all cultures are intrinsically equal and simply need to be understood. He discouraged ethnocentricism, instead, promoting respect and autonomy for different cultures by learning and having empathy for their logic and motivations, saying that 'Comparing two cultures was tantamount to comparing apples and oranges' (Boas, 1938)
Similarly to Sociology, Social Anthropology examines the diversity and variations in human behavior and social structures, to determinine how humans function and interact, gaining an insight to behavior / socio-cultural dynamics. By observing and digging deep to find answers to questions about 'other' peoples, the more understanding and context can be applied. Humanity is a highly controversial subject, with multiple aspects to consider about people, their development and behaviour throughout ancient and present societies.
So before making any judgement, stop and think... of motivations behind actions, and consequences to reactions. The most important questions to ask are what? and why?
image from https://alexandrauhl.com/research/womens-health/ (https://labs.wsu.edu/biomechanics/bipedal-evolution/)
Ethnocentrism:
The belief that one's own culture is the most important or correct.
Cultural Relativism: understanding a culture's beliefs and practices from its own cultural context.
Holistic:
the whole person or a larger system, encompassing their physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects, rather than just one element.
Cultural Anthropology: Study of human cultures and their social structures.
Ethnography:
Detailed research of a culture, often involving participant observation / involvement.
Culture:
Learned behaviors, beliefs, and values shared by a group of people.
Ethnicity:
A group of people sharing common physical and cultural attributes.
Kinship:
The socially recognised connections of peoples.
References
Boas F. (1938) The Mind of Primitive Man, Macmillan,
Introduction to Anthropology: Holistic and Applied Research on Being Human
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