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 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
Glossary Terms starting with P
Glossary Terms starting with S
Anthropology Glossary of Terms – Posts
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.
Exploring the Origins and Forms of Democracy – The Power of Citizen Participation
Democracy originated in ancient Greece. Athens, in particular, was known for its democratic system in which all male citizens could vote and participate in government.
Ancient Divination Techniques from Around the World
Divination is believed to be a way to contact the spiritual world or to receive guidance from god(s) or ancestors, which are known as oracles.
The Art of Dialectic Reasoning – The Process of Logical Debate and its Benefits
Dialectic reasoning is a powerful tool for promoting critical thinking and analysis by engaging with opposing viewpoints.
The Domestic Mode of Production – Understanding the Pre-Industrial Way of Life
The domestic form of production is a mode of economic organization in which households are the primary unit of production and consumption.
Exploring the Complexities of Development – The Many Facets of Progress
Development is a complex and multifaceted concept that refers to the progress and improvement of societies, economies, and individuals.
Duolocal Residence – When Husband and Wife Live Separately
Duolocal residence refers to societies where husbands and wives live separately, each residing with their consanguine kinship groups.
The Developmental Cycle of Domestic Groups – Highlighting The Evolution of Family Structures
Anthropologist Meyer Fortes introduced the concept of the developmental cycle of the domestic group in 1958 as a replacement for static notions of households