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HSP3M. Digging into Anthropology. Two Types of Anthropology. Cultural: Examines cultural variations, with a focus on proving that culture is a part of our human nature
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HSP3M Digging into Anthropology
Two Types of Anthropology • Cultural: Examines cultural variations, with a focus on proving that culture is a part of our human nature • Physical: Studies evolution, genetic variation, and inheritance, adaptability using both the fossil record and modern day genetic research.
Anthropology and Social Phenomena • Anthropology explores social phenomena from a cultural perspective • Because of this perspective, anthropologists often research how cultures begin, develop, survive, and thrive. • Anthropologists pose important questions concerning the continuation of poverty, racism, violence, and social inequality around the world
For example… • why do humans have such different ways of living, thinking, and acting? • why do gender differences exist? • how does technology influence cultures? • what is the impact of our ever-expanding global village?
Another example • The rapidly increasing availability and decreasing costs in communication technology (internet, email, cell phones, VOIP, podcasts, etc) has increased exponentially idea and culture transmissions across vast distances. • Pros: Allows for the sharing of diverse cultural beliefs • Cons: Leads to the loss (via assimilation and/or flooding) of some cultures’ beliefs
Culture • The Latin translation of culture (cultura) is “to cultivate” • The dictionary definition for culture is “the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.” • From this second definition, you can see that culture necessarily needs certain aspects.
Culture • Take a moment to jot down a list of the necessary elements of culture
Homework Question • Does communication technology enhance or diminish cultural awareness and variety? • Write a short (1/2 page) explanation of your opinion on this and why you believe it.