Cultural Anthropology Chapter 3

participant observation

the fieldwork technique that involves gathering cultural data by observing people's behavior and participating in their lives

ethnocentrism

judging other culutes from the perspective of one's own culture. The notion that one's own culture is more beautiful, rational, and nearer to perfection than any other

racism

the belief that some human populations are superior to others because of inherited, genetically transmitted characteristics

cultural relativism

the notion that cultures should be analyzed with reference to their own histories and values rather than according to the values of another culture

ethnography

the major research tool of cultural anthropology; includes both fieldwork among people in a society and the written results of such fieldwork

culture shock

feelings of alienation and helplessness that result from rapid immersion in a new and different culture

informant

a person from whom anthropologists gather data. Also known as a consultant or sometimes an interlocutor

respondent

a person from whom anthropologists collect data. Also known as an informant, consultant, or sometimes an interlocutor

consultant

a person from whom anthropologists gather data. Also known as an informant or sometimes an interlocutor

ethnology

the attempt to find general principles or laws that govern cultural phenomea

human relations area files

an ethnographic database that includes cultural description of more than 300 cultures

postmodernism

a theoretical position in anthropology that focuses on issues of power and voice. Postmodernists suggest that anthropological accounts are partial truths reflecting the backgrounds, training, and social positions of their authors

collaborative ethnography

ethnography that gives priority to cultural consultants on the topic, methodology, and written results of fieldwork