Key Concepts in Socio-Cultural Anthropology

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What is the central focus of socio-cultural anthropology?

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The study of culture, society, and ethnography to understand the evolution of human societies.

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Define culture in the context of socio-cultural anthropology.

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Learned behaviors, beliefs, and customs shared by a group, influenced by theorists like Tylor and Geertz.

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What is cultural relativism?

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The idea that a culture's beliefs and practices should be understood based on its own context, rather than judged by the standards of another culture.

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What is ethnocentrism?

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The belief that one's own culture or group is superior to others.

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How do anthropologists avoid ethnocentrism?

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By using cultural relativism to understand different cultures without bias.

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What is social stratification?

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The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on class, caste, and status.

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What is the difference between class and caste?

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Class is based on economic position and social status, while caste is a social group one is born into, determining job and marriage prospects.

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What is socialization?

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The process by which individuals learn and internalize societal norms.

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What is ethnography?

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A qualitative research method used by anthropologists to study cultures through participant observation and in-depth interviews.

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Who is considered a pioneer in modern ethnographic methods?

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Bronislaw Malinowski.