Anthropological Schools of Thought Theories of Change Explained HSB4U BUJOLD Functionalism O Functionalists are interested in how society maintains stability and social order. O What brings social stability? What Brings Social Stability? O 1. Cultural patterns and traditions. They diffuse disruptive or ‘dynamic’ forces causing change. O E.g. Graduated Driver’s License Stability? O 2. Social Institutions bring stability and attempts to meet the needs of the majority. O E.g. The family brings stability to reproductive and educational functions. O However, some families are dysfunctional. Functionalism continued O Over time institutions become complex. O E.g. Schools, industry, law O New institutions generate new social norms, roles and/or expectations. O E.g. MADD Functionalism Basic Need or Universal Problem (psychological or physical) Initial Cultural How it brings response and stability. how it developed. Custom/Pract ice/Tradition or institution created. The need for food. (physical need) • People were huntergatherers • Eventually they farmed • Eventually we kept food supplies • Economics & jobs to get $$ • Grocery Stores stock food supplies There is a constant renewal of the food supply. Application Activity O Using the chart headers on the last slide, apply Functionalism to two of the following: O A. Personal and Family Safety O B. The need to relax O C. The need to reproduce O D. The need for bodily comforts such as clothes and a home O E. The need to feel connected to others Structuralism O Structuralism believes that in every situation there are two opposing things. O This Binary Opposition is believed to be a fundamental organizer of human thought and culture. O Binary opposites creates a hierarchy whereby one of the two terms govern the other. O For example male is seen as dominant over female. Binary Opposition Male Female Dominant Submissive Strong Weak In Control Dependent Ferocious Gentle Rational Emotional Assertive Accommodating Male/Female O Maleness is higher on the hierarchy. O Societal Rules are determined by the relationship between the opposites. O For example: O Men are paid more than women. O More men are CEO’s than women. O There are more male sports icons than there are women. Ge Tribe of the Amazon O This society is based on binary opposition and synthesis. O The Ge divide their village into two halves. O They are rivals to each other however when members of the tribe marry they must choose a mate from the opposite group. Christian Holidays and Binary Opposition. O Solemn and sacred occasions are often followed or preceded by a taboo-breaking or ‘profane’ celebration. O E.g. O Christmas is followed by New Year. O Lent follows Mardi Gras (Pancake Tuesday) O Easter Week ends with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Cultural Materialism O Cultural materialism explains cultural similarities and differences as well as models for cultural change using a framework consisting of three distinct levels: infrastructure, structure and superstructure Infrastructure O Infrastructure consists of “material realities” such as technology, economics, resources like labour and reproductive (demographic) factors. O These mold and influence the other two aspects of culture. O E.g. The Nuer Tribe of South Africa has a Pastoral economic system, meaning its wealth is measured in cattle. Structure O Structure consists of organizational aspects of culture such as domestic and kinship systems and political systems, laws and family systems, education, and production. O E.g. Decisions regarding marriage is based on the transfer of cattle from the bride’s family to the groom’s. Superstructure O Superstructure consists of social institutions such as laws, religion, politics, art, science, superstitions, values, emotions, traditions….. O E.g. Tradition-there is a strict list of who gets how many cattle in the extended family. Superstructure O Law-all children of the bride legally belong to the husband even if the wife leaves the husband to live with another man. O Values-The system favours men in terms of the bride-wealth transfer and attempts to maintain economic equality. Cultural Materialism Application O Use the theory to explain the growth of Milton. O Infrastructure O 1. Which material reality caused change; technology, demographics and/or economics? O Structure O 2. How has the growth in Milton altered education? O Superstructure O 3. Has the growth of Milton affected the laws, religion, arts or traditions? Cultural Materialism & Kinship O InfrastructureO Reproduction O Structure-Patterns in Society are to create O kinship structures and family units O Superstructure-has laws both written and unwritten O about parental responsibility, nurturance, marriage, sexual contact….