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.
In sociology, assimilation is the process by which members of minority groups become members of the mainstream culture. It is a gradual process of acculturation, and it often takes place over several generations.
Exogamy is a widely practiced marriage custom whereby individuals marry outside of their social group. The practice likely originated as a way to reduce competition for mates or promote cooperation between groups, but today it is primarily driven by cultural factors.
Consanguinity is the state of being related to someone by descent from a common ancestor. It is often used to refer to the genetic or biological relationship between kin.
Biological anthropology is the study of how different cultures interact with the environment and how that affects their biology.
Anomie, a term coined by French sociologist Émile Durkheim, is a condition of normlessness or social disintegration.
Endogamy is the practice of marrying within one’s social group and is still common in many cultures today. While the reasons for endogamy vary from culture to culture, the practice often results in strong social bonds and a sense of community.
The term ‘concubine’ originally referred to women who were taken as slaves and then used for sexual purposes by their masters.
Animism is a belief system that dates back to ancient times and is still practiced in various forms around the world today.
The term Big Man is used in ethnographies of Melanesian societies & describes the way in which Melanesian men gain social status & influence.
Amoral familism is a social anthropological concept that is based on the idea that family ties are more important than anything else, including the law.