Cultural Anthropology

Anthropology, the study of the development of various societies and cultures, has helped humans understand the differences amongst groups of people. Cultural anthropology, in particular, focuses on the cultural variations that have developed throughout human history. Anthropologists are responsible for studying and examining the behaviors of humankind, researching how humans interact and how they develop. Most anthropologists accomplish this by partaking in field study which enables them to experience the life of another group of people. In essence, the role of an anthropologist is to help others understand other people’s cultural norms, thus making society universal. Although the intentions of most anthropologist are good in principle, their

Most of this perceived irony is a result of many cultural groups facing extinction after being observed by anthropologists, especially during colonialism. Nevertheless, the work of anthropologist is crucial to the development of society as their work can help humankind understand why biological and physiological differences occur amongst themselves, improving society as a whole. Anthropologists are responsible for studying human behavior, culture and development; furthermore, their work allows humankind to understand one another despite obvious reasons. In “Unofficial Histories: A Vision of Anthropology from the Margins”, Louise Lamphere writes “Each generation of anthropologists revises history, finding in the past precursors of present-day topics of intense debate and reformation. But there is also a pedagogical goal in rethinking our history. Whose works gets taught and how it is connected to

Lamphere describes that ethnography at this point displayed prejudice and partiality as anthropologist like W.J. McGee only partook in few field studies. McGee’s only field case consisted of a few days with the Seri, a group of Native Americans residing in Northern Mexico. McGee used these unsubstantial observations to “confirm his evolutionary presuppositions” (Lamphere 128). Initial inferences made by early anthropologists were often misguided and put one race over another, supplementing racist views of white supremacists. Ethnography experienced a transformation when minority anthropologists emerged as respectable figures. According to Lamphere, “Boas is a well-known for his commitment to a detailed scientific study of cultural phenomena, the creation of an integrated four-field discipline, and the use of a historical rather than evolutionary framework” (129). Field study research became important in the anthropological field as it offered accurate data and the ability to experience different culture directly. Minority anthropologist also helped pave the way for a better understanding of certain cultures. Anthropologists like Michelle Rosaldo, Alfonso Ortiz, and Delmos Jones all aided in the field as their insights and activism shed a new light on the behaviors of cultural groups. Nevertheless, the