Discussion Board Comment: How Cultures are Studied

           

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion Board Comment: How Cultures are Studied

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In everyone’s perception, other cultures seem to be exotic and unintelligible at first glimpse. For this reason, there is a need for anthropologists to shed off their prejudices and cultural filters that they have acquired in their society to achieve an objective picture of other individuals and cultures.

Fieldwork is the most effective method by which cultural anthropologists gather data to answer their research questions. In the video “How cultures are studied,” Chagnon emphasizes that an anthropologist cannot learn about other cultures merely by reading government articles or accounts in the library. One must go and reside in a culture for a lengthy period and participate in that society while interacting with the group daily to obtain a complete ethnographic understanding of the culture. Participant observation allows one to immerse themselves in a culture for a long time and understand the inside view of that culture, how it operates, their kinship, marriage, family descent, social organization, and their problems.

Other methods that field workers can use is filmmaking, recording, and photography. Chagnon used all and was able to carry photos of various ancestors and get more information from others. An anthropologist can document their perceptions and observations and adjust the focus of their research as needed.

Fieldworkers must learn the groups’ language, culture, myths, taboos, and all they deem important and abide by their rules. These embody much of the people’s worldview and explain man’s relationship with nature. Understanding them helps one create a connection with the people, making them feel more comfortable and safe sharing about their culture. From the video, we learn that generosity and reciprocity are important to all cultures, and anthropologists need to abide by them. For instance, Chagnon brought the people of Yanomano valuable trade goods such as knives and machetes.

Anthropologists must understand the concept of cultural relativism that all cultures have made unique workable solutions to many problems that people face, such as curing the sick, solving hunger issues, and cooperating with others. An anthropologist must bring the message of cultural relativism to the world at large to learn and appreciate the value and integrity that exist in all cultures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72oSUzZT2sU