The Four Sub-Fields Of Anthropology

Throughout my education in anthropology numerous theories and practices have aided in formulating my future endeavors. Knowledge in the four sub-fields of anthropology strengthened my understanding of multidisciplinary concepts. Anthropology, as the study of human beings has contributed to my comprehension on the importance of collaboration. With my degree in cultural anthropology, I hope to work in community outreach. This essay will discuss the anthropological concepts of: cultural relativism, holism, social change, participatory research, reciprocity, and applied and engaged anthropology. Also, synthesize how these concepts influenced my goals in life and my perception of social issues. When introduced to anthropology especially cultural, cultural relativism is one of the first concepts explained. Franz Boas emphasized cultural relativism, …show more content…
In the anthropological field, the practicality of culture relativism is continuously debated. Also, the concept is seen as a factor prohibiting recognition of anthropology as a science. Some anthropologist and people in other sciences believe cultural relativism can overshadow universal truths. In classes including people from all of the four subfields or multidisciplinary, we debated whether certain truths or facts should be disregarded for what is relative. This raises questions on the purpose of research, to benefit science while objectifying the culture you are studying or the sensitivity to cultural ideologies while researching. Cultural relativism witholds judgement in order to understand a culture by not tainting the information with your own value system. Individuals have a multitude of things creating their value system and how they think. As an anthropologist your personal opinions do not have to conform, the responsibility is to not let those skew