Social Anthropology and Economic Organization

Social Anthropology and Economic Organization Social Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures, and their development. It explores how economic systems and practices are embedded within social relationships and cultural norms, examining the ways in which people produce, distribute, and consume goods and services within different societies. Economic Organization Economic Organization refers to the…

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Kinship and Social Organization

Kinship and Social Organization Definition of Kinship: Kinship refers to the relationships between individuals based on blood ties (consanguinity), marriage (affinity), or adoption. It is a system that defines family relationships and establishes social networks and obligations in a society. Kinship structures are foundational in organizing social life, including roles, responsibilities, inheritance, and descent. Types…

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Institution of Marriage

The institution of marriage is a social and legal contract between two individuals, typically a man and a woman, that is recognized by law, religion, or society. It establishes a bond of commitment and responsibilities, often including the rights to cohabit, raise children, share property, and support one another emotionally and financially. Definition Marriage is…

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Institution of Family

The institution of family is a social unit that plays a central role in the development of individuals and the functioning of society. It encompasses the relationships, roles, norms, and values that bind individuals together in a family unit. Family is typically the first place where individuals are socialized and is vital for emotional support,…

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Branches of anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans, their cultures, societies, and evolution. It is divided into several subfields, each focusing on different aspects of human existence. Here are the main subfields of anthropology: Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on understanding the cultural practices, beliefs, values, and social structures of different societies. Cultural anthropologists conduct ethnographic research, often involving…

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Relationship of anthropology with other social sciences

Anthropology, as the study of humans, their societies, cultures, behaviors, and biological aspects, has a close relationship with several other social sciences. Here’s an overview of how anthropology interacts with some of these disciplines: 1. Sociology Overlap: Both anthropology and sociology study human societies, cultures, and behaviors. While sociology often focuses on modern industrial societies…

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Functions of Culture

Functions of Culture: Social Cohesion and Identity: Culture plays a vital role in fostering social cohesion by creating a sense of belonging and shared identity among individuals. It binds people together by providing common values, traditions, and practices that unite them as a group or society. Transmission of Knowledge: Culture facilitates the transmission of knowledge,…

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Characteristics of Culture

Characteristics of Culture: 1 Learned: Culture is not innate but learned through socialization. From childhood, individuals acquire cultural norms, values, and practices through interactions with family, peers, schools, and other social institutions. This process of learning is both conscious and unconscious. 2 Shared: Culture is collectively shared by members of a group or society. It…

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Social Anthropology

Social Anthropology: Social anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on understanding the social structures, relationships, and practices of human societies. It examines how cultures and social institutions are organized, how individuals interact within their communities, and how societies evolve over time. Social anthropologists typically conduct ethnographic fieldwork to gather data about people’s lives,…

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Definition of Culture

Definition of Culture: Culture refers to the shared beliefs, customs, behaviors, values, symbols, language, practices, and material objects that characterize a group or society. It encompasses the ways of life that people adopt in response to their environment and the social structures within which they exist. Culture is learned, passed down from one generation to…

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Recent Trends in Anthropology

1 Globalization: One of the most significant recent trends is the study of globalization and its impact on cultures, economies, and societies. Anthropologists are examining how global processes affect local communities, including issues like migration, transnationalism, and cultural hybridization. 2 Ethnographic Turn in Public Anthropology: There has been a growing emphasis on making anthropology more…

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Historical Development of Anthropology

Historical Development of Anthropology: 1 Early Beginnings (Pre-19th Century): Anthropology’s origins can be traced back to early human curiosity about the nature of human differences. However, before the 19th century, the study of humanity was often embedded within philosophy, history, and geography. Thinkers like Herodotus and Plato speculated about human societies, cultures, and races. Exploration…

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Definition of Anthropology

Definition of Anthropology: Anthropology is the study of humans, their societies, cultures, and their development. It is a broad discipline that seeks to understand the diversity of human experiences across time and space. Anthropologists examine all aspects of human life, from biological and physical evolution to cultural practices, languages, and social structures. The field is…

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Anthropology CSS Syllabus

Anthropology (100 Marks) I. Anthropology Definition of anthropology, its historical development and recent trends II. Social Anthropology Definition of culture, its characteristics and functions Relationship of anthropology with other social sciences Subfields of anthropology that is Biological, archeological, linguistics Institution of Family and Marriage (Definition, types, structure, functions, family organization) Kinship and Social Organization (Definition,…

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