ANT 252 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Franz Boas, Historical Particularism, Cultural Relativism
Document Summary
Globalization led to the world-wide spread of coca-cola, which leads people to think that diversity in cultures is declining because more and more people are participating in a global economy. But globalization creates more opportunities for cultural diversity -- not less. Holism: efforts to synthesize distinct approaches and findings into a single comprehensive interpretation. Franz boas argued against the evolutionist approach to culture and ethnocentrism and argued for. Scientific method begins with the observation of a fact. Anthropologists do both qualitative and quantitative research. Classify features of a phenomenon, count or measure the, construct mathematical and statistical models to explain what is observed. The aim is to produce an in-depth and detailed description of social behaviors and beliefs. Usually involves interviews with people as well as observations of their activities. Research data comes in the form of words, images, or objects. Involves prolonged and intensive observation of and participation in the life of a community.
