anthropology

Top 4 Reasons You May Enjoy Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human culture and society, and it offers a fascinating window into the diverse ways that people have lived and thrived throughout history. Here are the top 4 reasons you may enjoy anthropology: In addition to…

Cultural Anthropology

Experiential Fieldwork in Cultural Anthropology

Experiential Fieldwork Anthropologists do research in many ways, but there is a very large dependency throughout the field of Anthropology on experiential fieldwork.  This fieldwork is referred to as ethnographic fieldwork.  Ethnographic fieldwork is carried out by cultural anthropologists among living peoples in other societies…

Cultural Anthropology

Culture vs Civilization

Culture vs Civilization In anthropology, a civilization is specific type of culture.  In anthropological terms, civilization is a culture that has developed cities.

Cultural Anthropology

Culture is Integrated

Cultures are Integrated Cultures are viewed as a system.  Many of the facets of a culture are related and interrelated.  If any of the facets of a culture change, anthropologists can see or even predict changes in other facets of…

Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Universals

Cultural Universals According to George Murdock, cultural universals are learned behavior patterns that are shared by all of humanity collectively.  No matter where people live in the world, they share these universal traits. age-grading  athletic sports  bodily adornment  calendar  cleanliness…

Cultural Anthropology

Culture Changes Over Time

Culture Change Cultures constantly change due to several factors.  These factors can be internal or external forces that influences a given culture.  Internal factors can be invention or innovation.  An external factor is cultural diffusion, or the spreading of a…

Cultural Anthropology

Culture and Subculture

Culture and Subculture If a culture is a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society (Tylor 1958 [1871]: 1), then a subculture is a…

Cultural Anthropology

The Importance of Enculturation

The Importance of Enculturation Enculturation occurs immediately after birth and continues throughout our lives.  Enculturation is defined by Ferraro and Andreatta as the process by which human infants learn their culture.  Cultures function to help people adapt to their environments and consequently…

Cultural Anthropology

Three Basic Parts of Culture

Culture is a Three Headed Beast Culture has three basic components.  These three components are things in a culture, ideas of a culture, and the behavior patterns of a group of people.  These three components are interrelated.  All cultures are…

Cultural Anthropology

Anthropological Concept of Culture

Anthropological Concept of Culture According to Ferraro and Andreatta,  the concept of culture in Anthropology is, “everything that people have, think, and do as members of a society.”    They reference three main points being possessions, beliefs, and patterns of behavior….