ANTHRCUL 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Tsetse Fly, Cultural Relativism, Subculture

• School: U of M
• Department: Anthropology, Cultural
• Course: ANTHRCUL 101
• Professor: Holly Peters- Golden

Document Summary

It"s only when we compare ourselves to others, that we begin to notice the contrasts between our culture. Anthropologists were shocked and dismayed at some customs when first beginning to study other cultures. They believe their way of life was right. Mouth-right, which consists of inserting a small bundle of hairs into the mouth with potions and moving it around our teeth. Enlarge holes in the teeth, or gauge holes in teeth, and put in substance. Simply talking about dental care and going to the dentist. Not weird to us, but weird to others (description emphasizes this) But should not be used to justify oppression. Culture relativism: behavior in one culture should not be judged by the standards of another culture. Makes sense in the context of the society. Patterns of beliefs and behaviors make sense when studied in cultural context. Carries with it an assumption that our way is a superior way.