Exploring Anthropology: Understanding Human Culture and Crises

Final Project Part A Milestone One Michele Hanna Southern New Hampshire University ATH 101 Janice Cobb January 15, 2024

Anthropology is the study of what makes us all human past and present. It looks at the biological and cultural aspects as well as the relationships between the two. All the anthropology Anthropology is the study of what makes us all human past and present. It looks at the biological and cultural aspects as well as the

relationships between the two. All the anthropology Anthropology is the study of what makes us all human past and present. It looks at the biological and cultural aspects as well as the relationships between the two. All the anthropology Anthropology is the study of what makes us all

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

human past and present. It looks at the biological and cultural aspects as well as the relationships between the two. All the anthropology I. Anthropology is the study of what makes us all human past and present. It looks at the biological and cultural aspects as well as the changing languages, cultures, and social institutions. The anthropology subfields that make up anthropology are linguistic anthropology, cultural anthropology, biological or physical anthropology, and archeology. Linguistic anthropology is the study of origins, history, and the development of human culture. Cultural anthropology studies the social lives of living communities, Biological or physical anthropology is the study of the biological aspects of human beings’ past, and present. Archeology is the study of past societies and cultures from the earliest times to the present. An example of this would be the cancer rates being higher in certain regions. A cultural anthropologist would look at the cultural factors of that specific region, such as the food they may have eaten as well as any toxins they may have been exposed to in their daily lives. They could also look at genetic factors that could make them more prone to cancer.

II. Having an anthropological perspective can allow us to use the knowledge of different backgrounds of people to understand and expand what we may already know. It can also show us patterns of behavior and can be helpful to keep and keep us from repeating history. A. Global Cultural Crises We need an anthropological perspective for a global culture crisis because without their knowledge we would not be able to solve the issue. While anthropologist’s studies will not solve a global crisis issue alone, the knowledge they bring about cultural diversity can identify contributors to conflict, discrimination, and marginalization. Anthropologists can provide a global cross-cultural perspective. B. Biological Crises A biological anthropologist can work with public health professionals and those in scientific areas such as epidemiology and pathology. The knowledge and perspective they can bring of human evolution, cultural beliefs, practices, and social structures can aid in the best possible outcome of a biological crisis. C. Environmental Crisis. The anthropological perspective examines the relationship between humans and their environment across time and space. This knowledge base helps us understand the past and current human relationships with our environment using scientific approaches and practices that can contribute to a solution to an environmental crisis.

III. Historical Perspective A. Franz Boas, often called the “Father of American Anthropology.” Franz Boas’ contribution to anthropology helped legitimize the field. Boas conducted his work in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries, and one of his most influential contributions was his critique of scientific racism and biological determinism. Boas challenged and argued against the existence of racial hierarchies by challenging those ideas by demonstrating the diversity of human cultures and the lack of biological evidence to support racial hierarchies. Boas’s research argued that cultures should be understood and studied in their environment, without judgment, or comparisons. (Cassar,2023). B. One way that cultural groups use their past to inform their lives is through oral traditions, passing down stories, myths, and legends through storytelling (Welsch et al, 2019, p. 331). Traditions help cultural groups establish and maintain a sense of identity by recounting ancestral stories, where individuals can connect to their cultural heritage and ancestors. These stories often highlight the values, customs, and beliefs that define the group, reinforcing a shared sense of belonging and continuity across generations. By drawing upon their past through oral traditions and storytelling, cultural groups maintain a connection to their heritage, share knowledge and values, and find meaning in their lives. These stories are a powerful tool for preserving cultural identity and intergenerational connections.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

C. People are connected to their familial past because the genetic makeup of individuals is directly inherited from their biological parents and ancestors. Genetic factors contribute to physical traits, health conditions, and certain behaviors or characteristics. In a cultural sense, families pass down values, beliefs, and traditions from one generation to another. Through family interactions and socialization, people acquire language, social norms, and religious practices. These cultural elements deeply influence a person's worldview, behaviors, and identity, reflecting the familial past. Individuals are influenced by their familial past through genetic inheritance and cultural influences but can also shape their own identities and make choices that may diverge from their familial past. This also provides a connection between nature and nurture, and how both play a part in the lives of individuals. D. People are part of their communal past because communities possess distinct cultures and traditions that are passed down through generations. These include language, arts, music, cuisine, rituals, and social practices. Individuals growing up around these communities are immersed in collective experiences and practices, shaping their identity, and shaping their worldview. Communities also have their own set of social norms, values, and expectations that can influence the behaviors and attitudes of individuals. These can relate to gender roles, family structures, interpersonal relationships, work ethics, etc. Individuals conform to these norms as part of their socialization, reflecting the communal past (Welsch et al, 2019, p. 8). It is also important that while people are products of their communal past, they

also have free will and can challenge or modify inherited cultural practices and norms. People are also not solely defined by their communal past, and they can be influenced by factors such as education, diverse perspectives, globalization, and individual experiences. References Cassar, C. (2023, March 7). Franz Boas-The Father of American Anthropology. Anthropology Review . https://anthroplogyreview.org/influential-anthroplogist/franz-boas-the-father-of- american-anthroplogy Welsch, R. L., Vivanco, L. A., & Fuentes, A. (2019). Anthropology (2 nd ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. http://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780190057381 Welsch, R. L., Vivanco, L. A., & Fuentes, A. (2019). Anthropology (2nd ed.). Oxford University

Press Academic US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsou rce.com/books/97801900 57381 Welsch, R. L., Vivanco, L. A., & Fuentes, A. (2019). Anthropology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsou rce.com/books/97801900 57381

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

ATH 101 Final Project Part A Milestone One

Related Documents