What is Social Contract Theory?
Social contract theory is a political and moral theory that asserts that individuals give up some of their individual freedoms in exchange for protection and security provided by the government.
Anthropology Glossary of Terms
Anthropology is the study of humans. It is a broad and complex field that covers everything from the physical characteristics of humans to their cultural, social, and linguistic practices.
Anthropology has many subfields, including archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Each of these subfields has its own specialized vocabulary.
This anthropology glossary of terms provides definitions for some of the most commonly used terms in anthropological research.
Glossary Terms starting with A
- Acculturation
- Action Theory
- Adaptive Strategy
- Alliance Theory
- Amoral Familism
- Animism
- Anomie
- Anthropology of the Body
- Anthropology of the City
- Apartheid
- Asiatic Mode of Production
- Assimilation
- Asymmetric / Symmetric Alliance
- Auto-Ethnography
- Avunculate
- Avunculocal
Glossary Terms starting with B
- Behaviourism
- Benedict, Ruth
- Big Man / Big Woman
- Bilateral Kinship
- Biological Anthropology
- Black Economy
- Black Power
- Blood Feud
- Boas, Franz
- Bourgeoisie
- Bride Capture
- Brideprice, Bridewealth and Brideservice
Glossary Terms starting with C
- Capital
- Capitalism
- Cargo Cult
- Cash Crops
- Caste
- Caudillismo
- Class Consciousness
- Cline
- Cognatic Kinship
- Cognitive Anthropology
- Colonialism
- Commensality
- Commodity or Commodification
- Concubinage
- Consanguinity
- Conscience Collective
- Conspicuous Consumption
- Contagious Magic
- Creole Language
- Cultural Baseline
Glossary Terms starting with D
- Debt Slavery
- Democracy
- Demography
- Despotism
- Development
- Developmental Cycle of the Domestic Group
- Dialect
- Discrimination
- Divination
- Division of Labour
- Domestic Mode of Production
- Duolocal Residence
- Durkheim, Émile
- Dowry
- Dynasty
Glossary Terms starting with E
Glossary Terms starting with F
Glossary Terms starting with G
Glossary Terms starting with N
- Neocolonialism
- Neoliberalism
- Non-Binary Gender Identities
Glossary Terms starting with S
- Social Contract Theory
- Sociological Perspective
Anthropology Glossary of Terms – Posts
Neocolonialism in the Modern Era
Neocolonialism is an indirect form of imperialism that represents a new phase of Western capitalist expansionism.
The Rise of Neoliberalism – Understanding its History and Impact
Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes the importance of individual freedoms, free markets, deregulated economies, and global economic integration.
An Introduction to Game Theory
Game theory is the study of strategic decision-making. It allows us to analyse how individuals make decisions in situations where the outcomes depend on the actions of others.
Acculturation – A Process of Cultural Change and adaptation
Acculturation is a process by which individuals or groups adapt to a new culture or environment. It involves learning and adopting new behaviors, customs, and values while also retaining aspects of one’s original culture.
Adaptive Strategy – How Communities Thrive in Changing Environments
An adaptive strategy is a dynamic approach that allows communities to respond to changing circumstances in their environment.
Understanding Action Theory – A Guide to How Humans Interact with Their Environment
Action theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how humans interact with their environment and make decisions about environmental issues.
The Legacy of Colonialism – Unequal Power Structures and Lingering Trauma
Colonialism, the practice of acquiring and maintaining control over another country or territory, has had a profound impact on our world.
Anthropology of the Body – The Study of how the Human Body is shaped by the Environment and Culture
Anthropology of the Body examines the ways in which the body is used to create & maintain social relationships, express identity and cul
The Power and Perpetuity of Dynasties: The Characteristics of Family Rule
A dynasty is a line of hereditary rulers, typically from the same family. They are often considered to be the most powerful and prestigious family in a given society.
