Exploring Existentialism Through the Lens of Anthropology
In its simplest form, existentialism is the philosophical and psychological movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life.
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
Understanding Blood Feuds – The History and Origins of a Deadly Tradition
A blood feud is a vendetta or prolonged series of retaliatory attacks between two families or kinship groups.
The Asiatic Mode of Production: A Primer
In Marx’s view, the Asiatic mode of production was the most primitive form of society, and it was based on principles of slavery and feudalism.
Conscience Collective – The Shared Beliefs and Values of a Group or Society
Conscience collective is a term coined by Durkheim to refer to the shared beliefs and values of a group or society. It is considered to be the source of social cohesion and order.
Deconstructing the Evil Eye – The Power to Curse Others
While the evil eye may be dismissed by some as nothing more than superstition, it has been the subject of serious study by anthropologists.
The Rise of Black Power in America – A Historical Overview
The Black Power movement was a political & social movement in the US aimed at empowering black Americans & improving their standing in society.
The Origins of Apartheid – How Institutionalized Racism Took Hold in South Africa
The word apartheid is Afrikaans for “separateness”, and it was the official name of the racial segregation policy that was implemented in South Africa from 1948 to 1991.
The Fascinating Process of Ethnogenesis – How New Ethnic Groups Form
Ethnogenesis explores how new ethnic groups are formed. It’s a complex process that involves various factors such as migration, intermarriage, cultural exchange, and language use.
Contagious Magic – Items that have been in contact remain connected
Contagious magic is based on the idea that things that have been in contact with each other remain connected, even after they have been separated.
Black Economy – Goods and Services Traded Outside the Formal Financial System
The black economy refers to the informal or underground economy, where goods and services are traded outside of the formal financial system.