M1 - Learner Manual

1.21. Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of the origin and development of human societies and their learned behaviour including their languages, belief systems, social structures, institutions, and material goods.

Anthropologists study the characteristics of past and present human communities through a variety of techniques. In doing so, they investigate and describe how different peoples of our world lived throughout history.

Anthropologists aim to study and present their human subjects in a clear and unbiased way. They attempt to achieve this by observing subjects in their local environment. Anthropologists then describe interactions and customs, a process known as ethnography. By participating in the everyday life of their subjects, anthropologists can better understand and explain the purpose of local institutions, culture, and practices. This process is known as participant-observation.

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/anthropology-ee/

As anthropologists study societies and cultures different from their own, they must evaluate their interpretations to make sure they are not biased. This bias is known as ethnocentrism which is the evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture.