Fieldwork in Various Anthropological Schools of Thought Essay

Cultural anthropology is a social science that studies the origins and development of human societies (History World International, 2001). Many theories to explain cultural variations among humans have emerged. As a result, numerous anthropological schools of thought have been established based on these theories since the nineteenth century. These schools of thought encompass the dominant beliefs about culture during a time period and are constantly changing as new knowledge is acquired. As schools of thought develop, ethnographic methods have changed and developed as well. Fieldwork is an ethnographic method that has been implemented in all anthropological schools of thought. It involves gathering data and information about a specific†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, scholars, like Lewis Henry Morgan, did their own fieldwork to study and understand societies. However, scientific methods for collecting data were not developed until decades later. As a result, Morganâ €™s studies have been criticized for being too vast and superficial, as well as having fundamental errors in the interpretation of the data (Tooker, 1992). Ethnographic methods during this time were basic at best and were of little concern to the cultural evolutionists. Franz Boas was one of the first anthropologists to reject the theories of the cultural evolutionists in the beginning of the twentieth century (History World International, 2001). Although he recognized the role of evolution in ancestry, he found the theories of the cultural evolutionists to be scientifically unfounded. Instead, he pioneered historical particularism, the first American-born anthropological school. This school emphasized the individuality of a society and, therefore, to examine it one must look at the cultures environmental, psychological, and, most importantly, historical circumstances (McGee Warms, 2008). With the creation of a new school and his background in physical science, Boas stressed th e importance of ethnographic fieldwork for the first time. McGee and Warms (2008) state that â€Å"Boas advocated a four-field perspective that included studying prehistory, linguistics, and physicalShow MoreRelatedStatement of Purpose for Havard Application661 Words   |  3 Pages In 1995, I burst into tears in entrance ceremony of primary school in China. I was the only one in school who was not granted a red scarf. As a seven-year-old, I thought it was the red scarf that divided me from others. I badgered the school principal until I was finally allowed to be the first foreign student in school who owned a red scarf, only to find out that wearing a red scarf to school made little difference. Ever since, my identity has roamed somewhere between an insider and an outsiderRead MoreThroughout This Cultural Anthropology Class, One Consistent1451 Words   |  6 Pagesinitiative, the Confucius Institute. During these programs, Chinese teachers came to the United States to educate American students about Chinese culture and language, as paid for by the Chinese state. Hubbert conducted her fieldwork at one such Confucius Institute at a high school in Southern California. These programs provide an insight on definitions of the state, as well as how it is perceived b y both outsiders and insiders. This article should be included in the Cultural Anthropology syllabus becauseRead MoreAn Understanding Of Gender Perception, Gender, And Gender Essay1582 Words   |  7 Pagestheories of gender in our part of the world should address is: What are the socio-cultural sources of power and authority in the region that constitute culture and regulate gender perception, gender role assignment, and gender subversion? Among the various sources of power and authority, seven stand out: history, Islam, multilingualism, orality, social organization, economic status, and political system.† II. METHODS Research Setting This research will be conducted with a non-governmental organizationRead MoreWhat Is Anthropology? How Does Observing With An Anthropological Manner Help Us Understand The World?1548 Words   |  7 Pages What is anthropology? How does observing with an anthropological manner help us understand the world? According to Kenneth Guest, anthropology is: â€Å"The study of the full scope of human diversity, past and present, and the application of that knowledge to help people of different backgrounds better understand one another† (Guest 7). Anthropology helps one better understand and engage with the world as he or she moves through it. Specifically, cultural anthropology is: â€Å"The study of people s communitiesRead MoreSocial And Cultural Groups Become A Key Tool For Harmony On The Global Stage1601 Words   |  7 Pagesthe global nations are quickly being re-established with determination. It is in this time that the anthropological examinations of various social and cultu ral groups become a key tool for harmony on the global stage. It is through the dissection of data collected through fieldwork that true anthropological understanding other cultures is best achieved. This essay will reflect on the anthropological contributions of two writers who have both touched on the issues of borders and how they affect peopleRead MoreWhat is anthropology and why we should study it?1857 Words   |  8 PagesAnthropologists seek to understand both the cultural and individual bases for behavior; and how political, economic, and social factors affect both the individuals and various groups. Although statistical and other quantitative methods are used, much of Cultural Anthropology is qualitative-descriptive. Classical anthropological fieldwork requires prolonged residence (of one or more years) with a particular group in order to understand their way of life. Until World War II, Cultural Anthropology focusedRead MorePhilosophical Implications of Cultural Relativism4081 Words   |  17 Pagesreadily understandable language, supporting with reasons from other ideas, principles, and observations to establish conclusion and overcome objections. It is to understand the principle of cultural relativism by disintegrating and clarifying its various components like: 1. Research-oriented tool to tackle its opposite attitude of ‘ethnocentrism’. 2. Ethical theory in order to understand other culture in its own perspective. 3. Logical analysis to evaluate the principle for it integrity. 4. CriticalRead MoreCritical Evaluation of Articles by Russel (2005) and Brown Et Al. (2005)] Critical Evaluation of Articles by Russel (2005) and Brown Et Al. (2005)]3636 Words   |  15 PagesNottingham University Business School MSc Programmes [Research Methods for Finance and Investment] [Critical Evaluation of Articles by Russel (2005) and Brown et al. (2005)] [Konstantin Dambaev] Student ID: [4158276] Word count: 3007 (without headings), 3234 (with headings). COPY [1] It’s a question of trust: Balancing the relationship between students and teachers in ethnographic fieldwork Russell, L. 1. The researcher says that â€Å"[i]ntense observationsRead MoreDo Muslim Women Really Need Saving?7400 Words   |  30 PagesDo Muslim Women Really Need Saving? Anthropological Reflections on Cultural Relativism and Its Others Author(s): Lila Abu-Lughod Reviewed work(s): Source: American Anthropologist, New Series, Vol. 104, No. 3 (Sep., 2002), pp. 783-790 Published by: Blackwell Publishing on behalf of the American Anthropological Association Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3567256 . Accessed: 18/01/2012 15:55 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms Conditions of Use, available atRead MoreMethods of Qualitative of Data Collection19658 Words   |  79 Pages13, 1997 Observation 12:40 p.m. Observer’s comments There are 17 children in the room. There are 3 adults: 1 teacher, 1 classroom assistant, and 1 student teacher (the student teacher is an older woman). The room is in the basement of the school. The school is a brick building approximately 90 to 100 years old. The room is about 40 feet by 30 feet. The room is carpeted and is sectioned off by furniture. There is an area with big books and a chart in the left-hand back corner of the room. Next to

Understanding Counter Reformation Essay - 3694 Words

In order to understand the Counter Reformation one must consider the political factors and motivators behind them as well as the belief factors when examining clashes with the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church during 16th century experienced a reformation that was both politically and belief driven. The Catholic Reformation also known as the Counter Reformation allowed the church to clearly define its position, eliminate unchristian practices and examine its role in world. This paper will address the political motivators of the Counter Reformation, the unchristian practices that fueled corruption and the clearly defined religious concerns of reformers. It will establish that the use of patronage and nepotism ultimately undermined the†¦show more content†¦They saw the church and its leadership filled with corruption and greed. The Renaissance popes who led the church were not spiritual leaders. Those at the top of the clergy were wealthy and lived lavish lifestyles. They indulged in nepotism, power politics and patronage. Furthermore, the priests at the bottom were poor and unable to administer to the multiple parishes in their charge. Thus it can be said that Counter Reformation was a response to a need for clarity in purpose. But also, one can also say that the Counter Reformation was a natural and necessary response to the Protestant reformation. Catholic reform was slow until after the Protestant Revolution began to make serious in roads upon the ancient faith. A variety of Protestant sects had made their ways into almost half the nations of the Europe by the 16th century. Catholics were dismayed by the great increase in unorthodoxy. Many claim that the Counter Reformation was initiated to win back lost souls. Thus it can be said that the Counter Reformation was a response to maintain and gain back the followers. (Bossy) There were a variety of movements that initiated reform within the church. The Catholic Church during the Middles Ages had lost much as a religious institution. During this period ignorance and corruption in the church was insidious. One only has to look at the church leaders in Spain as evidence. Some priest didn’t even understand the Latin in the mass, monks keptShow MoreRelatedSaint Ignatius Loyola And The Spanish Army2008 Words   |  9 Pagesthe 21st century. Nevertheless, the reading of the rules for the order of Christian life within St. Ignatius Loyola’s spiritual exercise document should be read with respect for the Roman Catholic Church , and read with the understanding of the 16th century Counter Reformation, spirituality, and scholastic learning . Saint Ignatius had a small following of six, they all had the plan of moving to the holy land and live within the imitation of Jesus Christ himself, and to work on the conversion ofRead MoreMassacre Of The Innocents By Peter Paul1415 Words   |  6 Pagesto it’s audiences, this is because of the Counter reformation, and religious turmoil that happened in Europe during this time. Counter Reformation took place after the Protestant Reformation (1517-1550), it was the government, and the church’s attempt to re catholicize people , and bring them back to church during this time the counter reformation art theory was invented. In 17th century baroque art formed itself under the influence of counter reformation art theory. The Tridentine church used artRead MoreCauses Of The Protestant Reformation1635 Words   |  7 PagesThe Protestant Reformation was the 16th-century religious movement that took place in the Western church. Having far-reaching political, economic, and s ocial effect, the Reformation became the basis for the founding of Protestantism, one of the three major branches of Christianity. Without the changes caused by the Renaissance during the fifteenth century, the Reformation would not have been possible (Haigh). Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII challenged the Catholic churchRead MoreThe Holy Family With Saints Anne And John The Baptist, 1592 ( Oil On Canvas )1296 Words   |  6 Pagessustain the beauty of counter-reformation arts in her work by use of light and shadow, delicate brushwork and accurate proportions of each subjects. Anguissola is mostly interested in portraits painting, thus this is a unique one as an exception. As one of the well-known Counter reformist works, this masterpiece depicted the interest of religion worship in order to appeal to the viewers in an expressive fashion. â€Å"The Holy Family† was done during Catholic Counter-Reformation era. The Protestants mostlyRead MoreThe Protestant Reformation And The Catholic Church996 Words   |  4 PagesAt the dawn of the 16th century, the Catholic Church built upon the bureaucratic organization of the Roman Empire, became powerful, but also very corrupt. Calls for reformation within the Church started as early as the twelfth century. To try to resolve doctrinal issues and reform the church, nine councils were called between 1215 and 1545. However, all nine councils failed to reach any noteworthy protocol and agreement regarding the Church. The clergy was unable to follow the Church’s rules andRead MoreThe Protestant Reformation E ssay1014 Words   |  5 Pagesexpressions of the Protestant Reformation. This paper will discuss Lutheran Reformation, The Anabaptist, and The English Puritans as well as the Catholic Reformation also known as the Counter Reformation. It is the hope that after the reader has had the opportunity to view each of the characteristics and the expressions of each of the reformation the reader will have a better understanding of each and will be able to articulate the differences of each. The Protestant Reformation called the Protestant RevoltRead MoreHow Context Affects Art1074 Words   |  4 Pagesinfluence on the work’s themes, techniques, messages, etc. Without understanding the context of the era, a full understanding of the work will be impossible. A work of art can be analyzed within its historical contexts, such as historical circumstances, and contemporary art developments and trends. Most artists and their art pieces were very much influenced by the contexts they were surrounded by. The influence of the Catholic Reformation had taken place in different time periods and throughout EuropeanRead MoreThe Death Of The Black Death1487 Words   |  6 PagesItalian hearts. After this happened is when Italy started to decline. 4.Social and political conflict led to the society and religion: The reformation broke out first in the free imperial cities of Germany, Switzerland and the basic tenets of Lutheran and Zwinglian Protestantism remained visible in subsequent protestant movements. The protestant reformation occurred at a time of sharp conflict between the emerging nation-states of Europe bent within their realms and the self-governing towns andRead MoreMartin Luther Essay1557 Words   |  7 Pagesteachings inspired the Protestant Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Protestant and other Christian traditions. Martin Luther was born to Hans and Margaretha Luther on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben, Germany and was baptised the next day on the feast of St. Martin of Tours, after whom he was named. Luthers call to the Church to return to the teachings of the Bible resulted in the formation of new traditions within Christianity and the Counter-Reformation in the Roman Catholic Church, culminatingRead MoreMartin Luther And The Catholic Church1738 Words   |  7 Pagesfounded the Lutheran religion. Through his actions he not only changed the way that millions of Christians practiced their faith both now and in the past through the Protestant Reformation, he also changed the social-political boundaries in Europe due to increased religious tensions. In order to get a better understanding of the motives behind Luther’s actions we first need to know more about him. Martin Luther was born on November 10th, 1483 in Eisleben, Saxony, which is now a part of modern Germany

Epideitic speech on overpopulation Essay Example For Students

Epideitic speech on overpopulation Essay Angela Hodgson Public Speaking Steve Martin April 27, 2005 Epideictic Speech We as individuals cannot even pretend to understand the problems with overpopulation. We do not take the time or the effort to be educated enough; therefore we do not help the prevention of future problems to keep our society as it is now. We may not do this, but I researched of three sociologists that do; Lester R Brown, Gary Gardner, and Brian Halweil. These 3 men decided to put together their intelligence to try and educate America the problems that come with overpopulation. These 3 men proved their self-lessness, sincerity, and their caring TOWARDS the people of America. These 3 men showed us that with a little effort from everyone, there can be sunshine the next day. These 3 men decided to write about the darkest, deepest of situations only to have all of us, and everyone else become knowledgeable of the issues of overpopulation. These three men chose to take time out of their lives to attempt to help our nation and the lives of you and me. These 3 men help make possible the fresh air we breath, the availability of clean water to cleanse ourselves, the roofs we have over our head, just because they took the time to announce the problems with overpopulation. Because of these 3 men we have freedom to do with our lives as we choose. If these 3 men did not take the time to explain the severity of the problems, we eventually would have restricted choices. If these 3 men did not take the time to educate the people we would have no preparation for a single problem that may arise from overpopulation, this would mean utter chaos. Our nation has controlled population and prevented the problems that could have happened, now we must maintain that pride for our future generations as these three men did for us. Because of our control over population, our nation has given us the best of both worlds. We can not even imagine how life would be anywhere else; maybe it would be like living on the streets, or even in a gutter. Because our nation has such control, many people take our freedom for advantage. People need to appreciate each and everything given to us, from the chair you sit in now, to the heart that is beating in your chest. People need to appreciate that they can wake up in the morning to arrive at their job, or even at school. People need to appreciate the fact that we do not have restricting laws telling us how many children we are allowed to have, that we do not have authorities regulating our everyday decisions. People need to appreciate the education that is available for the youth today. People need to appreciate that we have the free will to voice our opinion, to vote in elections, to protest against events that we may disagree with. These are only a few of the freedoms that are taken advantage of, only because people dont imagine how life would be without them. These 3 men not only care for themselves, not only for the people, but also for our environment. These 3 men have shown to the people that they once again are self-lessness, sincere, and caring for people like you and me. Therefore in appreciation of such, we need to take their words to heart and do something about it. Our society and environment may be fine as we look around today, but if we do not take a serious look at the problems that may come from overpopulation now; we will have but no choice later. .

The War on Marijuana free essay sample

Argues for the legalization of Marijuana. This paper presents arguments in favor of the legalization of Marijuana. The author argues that legalization would benefit the economy and society by reducing crime and violence. Slowly, the old man inhales the sweet smelling smoke and instantly relaxes. Time goes by slowly, stress melts like an ice cube, and the man feels a great sense of fatigue. Finally the man can go to sleep and rest in peace. These are just a few of the reasons people smoke marijuana. By making marijuana illegal, the government is deciding for the people what is healthy for them. Decriminalizing marijuana causes more harm than good. The war on drugs seems to be failing to achieve what it is meant for. Illegalizing marijuana violates civil liberties, causes social disorder, and increases crime and violence. The best solution to reduce these problems is to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. We will write a custom essay sample on The War on Marijuana or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page