Cultural Anthropology
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Objectives:
Understand economy as inseparable from the parts of culture and society
Describe and give examples of each of the modes of exchange
REVIEW
Social Statuses
Social Institutions
ASCRIBED STATUS
Based on characteristics that are gained through birth
Generally more closed
Factors are less in control of the individual
Race, gender, ethnicity, age, caste, etc.
ACHIEVED STATUS
Based on characteristics that are gained through action
Generally more open
Factors are more in control of the individual
Occupation, membership
LEBRON JAMES
Ascribed Status:
Achieved Status:
JESSICA ALBA
Ascribed Status:
Achieved Status:
YOU!
ECONOMICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Linking of economics with social life
Economy as integral part of culture and society
Studies what people need/want and how they can get those things.
PHASES OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Production
Transforming nature’s raw materials
Products
Distribution and Exchange
Getting products of production to people
Different modes of exchange can co-exist
MODES OF EXCHANGE
Reciprocity- exchange of goods/services of equal value
Generalized- not keeping tabs, close relationship
Maximum trust
Balanced- exchange in equal value
Reciprocate what you have given
Moderate of trust and social distance
Negative- trying to get the best deal
Minimum trust- Maximum social distance
MODES OF EXCHANGE CONT.
Redistribution- requires centralized social organization
Taxes, government systems
Communal Potlatch
Market exchange- involved a multi-purpose medium of exchange with a standard value
(money)
Capitalist Market Exchange
Assumes that supply and demand determine both production and consumption in societies.
PHASES OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Consumption
Using up of products
Differences in consumption patterns across cultures
2 BASIC WAYS TO CONSUME
Internal- consumption fulfills basic human needs
Emphasizes dependence of humans on physical world for survival
External- cultural ecology
Ways of satisfying basic human needs are determined by environmental factors
TERRORISM
People tend to be poor and lack resources so they look for safety.
Safety if found in this kind of group because they will supply goods for the family.
CULTURAL PATTERNING OF CONSUMPTION
Consumption choices reveal what it is to be human
OBJECTIVES
Define both macro and micro cultures giving examples of each.
________________________________________
Agenda
Short intelligence quiz
Macro and Micro notes
Macro and Micro poster
Exit slip
MACRO CULTURE
Learned, shared ways of behaving and thinking that cross local/group boundaries
National cultures (shared American culture)
Consumer cultures (cellphones)
Academic cultures (desk, raising hand, WHSD rules)
MICRO CULTURE
Local culture
Distinct patterns of learned, shared behaviors and ideas that can be found in specific groups, localities or regions
Ethnic groups
Age groups (Gucci Mane, J’s)
Genders (amount of shoes, bathroom buddy)
Special interest groups (sports, sewing, book clubs)
POSTER
Work in pairs
Split poster paper in half
Write Macro culture on one half, micro on other
Find 5 pictures of each
Cut out and paste on poster
Write a short caption to each picture
Why it is considered macro/micro culture?
Share two examples of each with class
EXIT SLIP
Before leaving:
Take sticky note and explain the difference between macro and micro cultures and stick on board
EMIC AND ETIC PERSPECTIVES
Objectives:
Identify the difference between emic and etic
_______________________________________
Question:
Is American culture difficult to understand?
Why?
Agenda:
• Emic and etic discussion
• India’s sacred cow
EMIC
Insider’s perspective
Meaningful to specific societies
Sole judges of validity
Example: Energy Comsuption
ETIC
Extrinsic concepts and categories that have meaning for scientific observers
Scientists are the sole judges
Energy consumption/culture
EXAMPLES
Etic approach
Emphasizes similarities between cultures
Emic Approach
Emphasizes differences between culture
Considers behavior patterns invariant and universal
Considers behaviors patterns unique and specific to a culture
Brings an outside perspective eg. female circumsion seen as a barbaric practice that subjugates and traumatizes women
Seeks an inside (natives) perspective eg. female circumsion seen as a traditional practice which promotes revered values such as women’s chastity
CELL PHONE USAGE IN YOUTH
Etic Perspective:
Disconnected
Inappropriate usage
Emic Perspective:
Connected to the world
Expected to have the best
EMIC AND ETIC PERSPECTIVE ON EASTER
Split in half
Pick emic or etic perspective
Write at least 5 bullets about your specific perspective
