AIR 110 · CSE 2022 · ANT1 · 47 pages

Nidhi Pai: ANT1 answer copy

8 answers by Nidhi Pai, as written in the test.

The questions

  1. Q1Critically substantiate the significance of the psychic unity of mankind as per classical evolutionists, especially with special reference to E B Tylor? 1. Write the important contributions of Franz Boas's Historical Particularism approach to studying primitive cultures?20 marks
  2. Q2Write about the significant contributions of British, German, and American anthropologists to the total school of diffusionism? 2. Critically substantiate Lewis Henry Morgan's stages of societal evolution?
  3. Q3What are the major features which Separate the Cultural Functionalism of Malinowski from that of the Structural Functionalism of R.C Brown? 3. Write a note on Malinowski's theory of kinship studies
  4. Q4What do you mean by economic anthropology and write about the contribution of Malinowski to the ceremonial exchange with suitable examples?
  5. Q5Elucidate the significant role of binary opposites and exchange figures given by Levi-Strauss' to describe the structural analysis of kinship in the school of structuralism 5. Write a brief note on the significance of the "Thick Description" Concept given by Clifford Geertz?
  6. Q6Write about the principles of structuralism and explain the contributions of Levi Strauss and Edmund Leach? 6. Critically elaborate on the difference between the concept of the Culture circle and the culture area approach given by the Diffusionist?
  7. Q7Discuss the contribution of Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead to the school of culture and personality with special reference to the national character concept given by Ruth Benedict.
  8. Q8What are the distinguishing features that separate Geertz's Interpretative Anthropology from Turner's Symbolic Anthropology? And write about their own interpretation of the Symbol & Symbolic?

The answers

Question 1 · 20 marks · 666 words written

Critically substantiate the significance of the psychic unity of mankind as per classical evolutionists, especially with special reference to E B Tylor? 1. Write the important contributions of Franz Boas's Historical Particularism approach to studying primitive cultures?

Opening · no separate opening

None written.

Body · points and prose

Question 1

The concept of Psychic unity of mankind was given by classical evolutionists in the 19th century.

→ Concept of Psychic unity of mankind - ◦ It believes that mankind all over the world thinks in the same way and thus humans evolved in the same unilineal way everywhere. ◦ The concept of Psychic unity ensured that societies evolved everywhere unilinealy i.e. from Savagery to Barbarism to Civilization. (The basic premise of Classical Evolutionism).

→ Why Psychic unity? ◦ Since humans all over the world have the same primary needs (Food, Shelter, Protection, Sex e.t.c) and other needs. ◦ Thus, in same environmental conditions, human mind will function in the same way to fulfil these needs.

Example of Psychic unity (1) Hunting and gathering was the mode of living of early man everywhere. In order to hunt animals or to cut trees, every human would invent almost same types of tools almost resembling an axe.

→ How various anthropologists viewed Psychic Unity? • Critical of Psychic unity (diffusionists) • Henry Morgan (man contained certain common 'germ ideas' and they are the basis for Psychic unity). • E.B. Tylor - Believed in Psychic Unity of mankind.

  • Believed in the concept and named it Monogenism.
  • Believed that it is part of human genes.
  • Therefore, humans think the same way.
  • However, in order for Psychic Unity of mankind to be fully true, the environment conditions must be same.
  • Difference in environment conditions can cause differences in how humans think.

→ Significance of Psychic Unity of mankind - ◦ It proved that 'Race was just a psychological myth'. ◦ All human societies are the same and thus no question of inferiority or superiority. ◦ Later used by many anthropologists and in their respective Schools of thought. For example - Structuralism - Study of human mind to study culture, Culture and personality School e.t.c.

→ Critical evaluation of the concept. ◦ Evolutionists especially Tylor said that Victorian societies are the most evolved ones. This defies the concept of Psychic unity. ◦ Diffusionists criticised the concept and said that man was basically uninventive. ◦ Psychic unity does not recognize human individualism. ◦ Universal application of the concept of Psychic unity is not proper.

Irrespective of the above criticisms, the concept of Psychic Unity provided a lead to many anthropologists to study cultures and societies in a simple way.

Question 2

The School of Historical Particularism was introduced by Franz Boas in 20th century.

→ Basic premises - ◦ Every culture is intelligible with respect to its own history and must be studied in relation to its own history alone. ◦ Because every culture is the result of discrete and diverse events of the past history.

→ Works - 'Central Eskimo' (1888) 'Mind of a Primitive Man'

→ Contributions of Historical Particularism to studying primitive cultures - ◦ Focussed on the importance of participant observation. ◦ Importance on learning a language and living with the people. ◦ Will help an individual to better understand cultures without being ethnocentric. ◦ The concept of Cultural Relativism gained significance.

○ Method -

  • Trait Listing - Understanding where traits are concentrated.
  • Naming the place centre.
  • Study the history of every trait and culture.

○ This method provides a lot of first hand information which is extremely important to study primitive cultures.

○ For example - Tribal India.

  • Tribal India is not just one entity but consists of hundreds of cultures with tribes with diverse cultures.
  • A 'one size fits all' approach will not work.
  • Thus, Historical Particularism will generate information which will help us make customized policies and programmes for each tribe.
  • Will lead to greater acceptance for outsiders and increased respect among tribals.
  • This will allow us to help tribals in a larger way.

Close

Thus, the School of Historical Particularism may be considered a boon to save the extinct tribal cultures and cultures which are on the threat of disappearing.