Short notes
Social-cultural Anthropology.
Social-Cultural Anthropology
Definition
Cultural Anthropology is the study of learned behaviour, beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and values of different human societies.
Example / case study
- Analysis of Harappan weights and urban planning provides evidence not only about technology but also about economic organisation and social regulation.
- Material remains → scientific analysis → reconstruction of past human behaviour and institutions.
- 3. Linguistic Anthropology — Language + Worldview
- Linguistic anthropology studies the relationship between language, culture and society.
Thinkers
- K. S. Singh | Tribal and historical studies
- Bronislaw Malinowski | Fieldwork; Cultural Anthropology
- Franz Boas | Cultural Anthropology; Historical Particularism
- Benjamin Lee Whorf | Linguistic Relativity
Scope
Definition
Cultural Anthropology is the study of learned behaviour, beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and values of different human societies.
Example / case study
- Information is reconstructed almost entirely through archaeological evidence.
- Together they explain humans from biological, cultural, linguistic and historical perspectives.
- Anthropology today extends far beyond the study of tribes.
Thinkers
- E.A. Hoebel: “Anthropology is the study of man and his works.”
Relevance
Definition
Cultural Anthropology is the study of learned behaviour, beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and values of different human societies.
Example / case study
- over-consumption of resources → karma teaches restraint.
- Lucia Michelutti (The Vernacularisation of Democracy, 2008) → Yadavs of UP link identity to Krishna descent.
- John Cort (Jains in the World, 2001) → Oswals consider themselves superior to other Jain castes (Shrimals, Porwals).
- Anuja Agrawal (Chaste Wives and Prostitute Sisters, 2008) → Bedia community narrates their Rajput origin despite prostitution as occupation.