AIR 79 · CSE 2023 · ANT1 · 47 pages

Eshani Anand: ANT1 answer copy

16 answers by Eshani Anand, as written in the test.

The questions

  1. Q1(..c)Reflexivism and Deconstruction in Post-modernism10 marks
  2. Q1(a)Comment on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=10 marks
  3. Q1(b)The study of Basic Personality allows us to explore the deep-seated psychological motivations and conflicts that underlie cultural phenomena." Discuss in view of Abrahm Kardiner's Idea of Culture Personality School.15 marks
  4. Q1(c)Briefly explain theories of Origin of Languages. Briefly explain the idea of Culture Circle in German school of Diffusionism. Also highlight the contribution made by prominent scholars of this school.15 marks
  5. Q1(d)Linguistic Diversity of India10 marks
  6. Q1(e)David Schneider idea of symbols10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Mead's major contribution to anthropological theory was her demonstration of the importance of cultural rather than biological conditioning. Elaborate with relevant examples and case studies.20 marks
  8. Q4(b)Cultural practices and beliefs can be understood as adaptive responses to environmental and economic constraints. Comment.15 marks
  9. Q5(a)Witchcraft belief and social control10 marks
  10. Q5(c)5.c) Religion and Politics10 marks
  11. Q5(i.b)Historical Linguistics10 marks
  12. Q5(i.d)Pattern of Culture and Special Genius10 marks
  13. Q6In practice, we find that myth, magic, and religion are a direct response to the vital needs, interests, and emotions of mankind. They deal with the fundamental problems of existence." How did Malinowski view the functions of myth, magic, and religion in addressing the fundamental needs and concerns of human societies?20 marks
  14. Q6(b)What were the main ideas proposed by Tylor in his influential work "Primitive Culture"?15 marks
  15. Q6(i.c)How does Postmodernism challenge traditional notions of objectivity and truth in anthropological research?15 marks
  16. Q7(a)The technological system is both primary and basic in importance as all human life and culture rest and depend upon it". Elaborate the statement in keeping in mind Leslie White's theory of cultural evolution.15 marks

The answers

Question 1(..c) · 10 marks · 240 words written

Reflexivism and Deconstruction in Post-modernism

Opening · a definition

Reflexivism and Deconstruction are tenents of post modernism. Postmodernism (as Spiro says) is challenge to objectivity, science and human reason of the modernist era.

Body · points and prose

Reflexivism : Is the conscious self awareness by an anthropologist checking biases. (being open to self subjectivity)

Emergence of reflexivity:- Malinowski's writing on Trobrianders were found to have racist and patriarchal tones. Anu Weiner pointed out in HER RESTUDIES.

Geertz stated that the study of culture has to be "emic" and not "outsider looking in".

Autoethnographies:- Victor Crapanzo says in "Hermes Dilemma and Hamlets Desire" that autoethnographies that are logs of self awareness need to be created.

Practicing reflexivity:- (i) anthropologist must know the idealistic behaviour (ii) must compare with actual behaviour (iii) Must check bias

DECONSTRUCTION

Derrida in "Of Grammatology" says deconstruction of texts is needed:-

  1. due to metanarratives [cannot give a definition]

  2. Against structural approach [BINARY OPPOSITIONS leave out oppressed groups]

  3. Has Power and bias of researcher [with western, colonial ideas]

  4. POLYVOCALITY [truth is not absolute]

In this school, deconstruction of texts is done.

STRANGER AND FRIEND: Hortense Powdermaker: In this book he says that anthropologist is never full time member of the group. Thus bias can creep in and reflexivity and RECONSTRUCTION is needed.

Criticism of Postmodern thought:-

Close

Greenfield says it casts doubt on science and truth itself. M Sahlins said power has too much focus.

However, medical anthropology has benefitted from these tenets for getting an INSIDER PERSPECTIVE.