Social and Cultural Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, including their beliefs, practices, and social organization. This category covers topics such as religion, economics, politics, and family, as well as the study of cultural diversity and globalization. From exploring the rich diversity of human cultures to understanding the complex social and cultural systems that shape our world, learn about the fascinating field of social and cultural anthropology.
Unilineal descent is a system of tracing kinship through one gender, i.e., either through the male or the female line. It is subdivided into patrilineal descent, where lineage is traced through males, and matrilineal descent, where lineage is traced through females.
The ways of acquiring a spouse are numerous and deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and social contexts. Understanding these practices helps anthropologists and sociologists comprehend the complex nature of human societies and their evolving norms and traditions.
Honor killings, a deeply disturbing cultural phenomenon, are murders committed under the pretext of preserving the perceived honor of a family or community. They occur when the victim, usually a female, is believed to have brought
Customary law is a fascinating subject in anthropology, as it offers insight into the structures of societies and cultures. This type of law, though not formally codified like statutory law, holds significant sway over local practices and behaviors.
The human legal framework's evolution is a fascinating journey from rudimentary principles of "primitive law" to complex edifices of "modern law". A grasp of this transformation is not just about understanding legal systems but also appreciating human evolution, culture, and society.
Shamanism, often characterized as the earliest form of spirituality, offers unique insights into the human quest for meaning, health, and connection with the natural world. This primal belief system, prevalent among hunter-gatherer societies and indigenous cultures, focuses on the Shaman—a spiritual mediator with the ability to traverse the physical and spiritual realms.
The study of dispute resolution mechanisms in pre-literate societies offers an important window into the complexity of these societies and their sophisticated approach to maintaining social order. Despite their lack of written laws or formal institutions, these societies developed effective systems for resolving disputes, preventing conflicts, and upholding social norms.
Cultural evolution is a concept that attempts to explain the way societies develop over time, emphasizing how cultural practices, ideas, and technologies change and spread across generations. This understanding of cultural evolution provides a lens through which we can comprehend the broad outlines of prehistoric cultures.
Cultural Materialism, a theoretical framework originally coined by anthropologist Marvin Harris, provides an insightful perspective for examining socio-cultural phenomena. As a research strategy, it uses the material conditions of life, specifically the production and reproduction of life, to illuminate cultural practices and beliefs.
An ethnic group represents a category of people who identify with each other, usually on the basis of presumed similarities such as common ancestry, language, history, society, culture or nation. Ethnicity is often an inherited status, but it can also be adopted, shed, and renegotiated over time.
The terms "sacred" and "profane" serve as pillars for understanding various religious phenomena. Originating from the Latin words 'sacer' (holy) and 'profanum' (outside the temple), these concepts have been central to anthropological, sociological, and religious studies.
In the realm of political anthropology, a band represents the simplest form of human socio-political organization. It typically involves a small, kin-based group of people that subsist through foraging.
