Exam 2: Culture

Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937) described two aspects of power. One included material power. What characterized the other aspect described by Gramsci?

The development of simple stone tools by early hominids led to the ability to procure meat more efficiently. This led to increased amounts of protein in their diet. Many scholars believe that this shift in diet was a significant part of how our ancient ancestors adapted so quickly to a varied set of environments, and how they were able to begin cultural development. This demonstrates the intimate connection between ________.

Using an interpretivist approach, anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1926-2006) argues that seemingly straightforward actions such as winking have deep cultural meanings. Describe what constitutes an interpretivist approach. Next, provide your own example of a cultural action that you think conveys deep cultural meaning. What do you believe the action symbolizes culturally? How do you know that the action conveys deep cultural meaning and how did you learn its meaning? Would an individual need to be a member of the particular society in order to understand the deep cultural meaning of the action, or would anyone be able to interpret it correctly? Discuss why or why not.

Culture as a system includes knowledge, beliefs, patterns of behavior, and artifacts. It also must include which of the following?

Early British anthropological researchers believed they could isolate and scientifically study the structure and function of what?

Globalization has led to an unprecedented rate of change worldwide. Barely 100 years ago, anthropologists traveled to remote places to study other people whose lifestyles are now all but extinct. How has globalization changed the ethnographic research of anthropologists? What aspects of culture might an anthropologist study to produce meaningful, useful results?

Early anthropologists suggested that all cultures would naturally evolve through the same sequence of stages, regardless of location or historical experience. What was this concept called and who were three of its early proponents? What were the three primary stages that all cultures pass through, according to this anthropological approach? In your opinion, what are some implications that an approach such as this could have on how societies are perceived around the world?

What does anthropologist Eric Wolf believe to be inherent in all relationships?

Anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1979) is best known for her research on sexual freedom and experimentation by young women in Samoa. Which aspect of culture among American women did Mead so powerfully contrast?

What is the idea that humans are continually evolving and adapting, both on the species level and within the individual lifespan?