i. The world is a rich tapestry made of up of many different histories, traditions, and cultures. Where Social Anthropology emphasizes an understanding of social institutions and the relationships therein, Cultural Anthropology, is a study of the behaviors, language, foods, and material creations of different cultures. Cultural Anthropology provides a window into the ideas and beliefs of these cultures and the innate desire to understand the world in their own terms. Cultural Anthropology strives to provide an understanding of the past and creates a tool to visualize the future.
b. Enculturation
i. Every minute of every day, all over the globe, the process of enculturation circulates throughout all cultures. From the time of birth, humans are learning about the culture they live in, …show more content…
Ethnocentrism
i. The dangerous belief that one’s ethnic is superior to others, that their cultural elements are “correct” or “normal.” This belief is not limited to heritage, spanning also race and religion. Ethnocentrism blatantly ignores that despite cultural differences, people share one central attribute: our humanity. One of the most extreme and best known cases of Ethnocentrism is Nazi Germany. The powerful force of ethnocentrism led to the massacre of innocent humans. Ethnocentrism can be seen all throughout history and in modern day from politics and international relations to literature and movies.
d. Cultural relativity
i. The polar opposite of ethnocentrism is Cultural Relativism. While ethnocentrism endorses the idea that one culture is right and another wrong, cultural relativity promotes the view that no culture is superior to another. The beliefs of each culture are equally valid and relative to the truths of that culture.
e. Symbol, symbolism
i. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent qualities or ideas. The American Flag, for example, is a symbol of the binding of all nations that make up the United States.
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