Essential Concepts in Cultural Anthropology
1. Cultural Relativism
The principle that cultural beliefs and practices must be understood in their own cultural context, not judged by the standards of another culture. It promotes open-mindedness and respect for cultural diversity.
2. Differences Between Animals and Humans
Humans possess complex language, the ability to think abstractly, make moral decisions, create culture, and transmit knowledge across generations. While animals can communicate and learn, they do not form complex symbolic systems or build institutions like humans.
3. Ethnocentrism
The tendency to view one’s own culture as the standard and superior to others. It often leads to misunderstanding, discrimination, and conflict between cultures.
4. Transhumanism
A philosophical and technological movement aiming to enhance human physical and mental abilities using science (e.g., artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, implants) with the goal of improving the human condition or achieving a post-human future.
5. Fieldwork
The primary research method in cultural anthropology where the anthropologist lives among the people being studied for an extended period, participates in their daily lives, and observes their culture directly to gather qualitative data.
6. Techno-progressives vs. Bio-conservatives
Techno-progressives: Advocate for responsible and ethical use of technology to enhance human life, health, and equality.
Bio-conservatives: Are cautious or opposed to altering human biology through technology, fearing loss of identity, inequality, or moral consequences.
7. Ethnography
A detailed written account of a particular culture or social group based on fieldwork. It includes the anthropologist’s observations, interviews, and reflections, aiming to represent the people studied as accurately and respectfully as possible.
8. Macro Culture
The dominant culture shared by a large population, such as a national or societal culture, which includes common language, values, norms, and traditions.
9. Micro Culture
A smaller, specialized subgroup within a larger culture. Micro cultures often form around age, interests, professions, or locations and have their own unique norms, language, or values (e.g., gamers, surfers, medical students).
10. Emic
An approach that seeks to understand a culture from the perspective of someone within the culture. It focuses on the meanings, beliefs, and categories that are important to the members themselves.
11. Etic
An external, analytical perspective used by anthropologists to interpret cultural behaviors using scientific concepts. It allows for cross-cultural comparison and generalization.
12. Stem Family
A type of family structure where one child (usually a son) remains in the parental household after marriage and inherits the family estate, while other siblings move out. Common in traditional European and Asian societies.
13. Polygamy / Polyandry
Polygamy: A marital system where a person has more than one spouse at the same time.
Polyandry: A form of polygamy where one woman has multiple husbands, often brothers, typically practiced to limit population and preserve land.
14. Hominoid Characteristics
Shared traits among apes and humans such as no tail, large brains, forward-facing eyes, long limbs, and complex social behaviors. These traits reflect evolutionary adaptations.
15. Inductive and Deductive Approaches
Inductive: Starts with detailed observations or experiences and builds up to broader theories or generalizations. Common in ethnographic research.
Deductive: Starts with a theory or hypothesis and uses research to test its validity. Common in scientific experiments.
16. Rapport
A positive, trusting relationship developed between the anthropologist and the people being studied. It allows for honest communication and access to deeper cultural insights.
17. Religion
A system of beliefs, practices, rituals, and moral codes centered around the sacred or supernatural. It provides meaning to human life, explains the unknown, and creates social cohesion.
18. Myth
A traditional story that explains the origins of the world, natural phenomena, or cultural practices. Myths often involve gods, ancestors, or heroes and serve to transmit cultural values.
19. Food Taboos
Culturally specific prohibitions against consuming certain foods due to religious beliefs, health reasons, moral values, or social norms (e.g., beef in Hinduism, pork in Islam).
20. Rites of Passage
Rituals that mark a person’s transition from one social status or life stage to another (e.g., birth, puberty, marriage, death). These ceremonies help individuals and communities adapt to change.
21. Culture Shock
A psychological reaction of confusion, stress, or anxiety when encountering an unfamiliar culture. It often involves difficulty understanding social cues, language, or customs.
22. Reverse Culture Shock
The emotional and psychological difficulty faced when returning to one’s home culture after an extended stay abroad. It occurs because your perceptions have changed, and home no longer feels the same.