LAC 1000C Lecture Notes - Cultural Anthropology, Ethnology, Participant Observation
28 Jul 2022
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Document Summary
Anthropologists learn about the culture of another society through fieldwork and observations. Cultural anthropologists also do systematic comparisons of similar cultures. An example of an ethnological study would be a comparison of what cultures are like in societies that have economies based on hunting and gather rather than agriculture. Anthropologist have discovered that the best way to really get to know another society and its culture is to live in it as an active participant rather than as an observer. By physically and emotionally participating in the social interaction of the whole society, it is possible to become accepted as a member. In practice this requires learning their language and establishing close friends. It also usually involves living within the community as a member, eating what they eat, and taking part in normal family activities with them. This can be a physical hardship and emotionally stressful, particularly when the whole society is in a rural area of an underdeveloped nation.
