Group
The concept of a ‘group’ serves as a cornerstone in social anthropology, providing essential insights into the structures and dynamics that define human social interaction.
Society
Society refers to a group of individuals who share a common culture, institutions, and organization, and who interact with each other within a specific geographical or social space. This category covers topics related to the study of human society, including social structures, organizations, and institutions, as well as the relationships and interactions among individuals and groups. From exploring the evolution of human societies to examining the impact of social change, this category provides insights into the complex and dynamic nature of human social life.
Structuralism
Structuralism, originally developed by anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss in the mid-20th century, revolutionized the way we understand culture, language, and society.
Structural Functionalism
Structural Functionalism, is a framework in sociology and anthropology that interprets society as a structure with interdependent parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals that compose it.
Functionalism
Functionalism is a prominent theoretical perspective in sociology that attempts to explain social phenomena in terms of the roles they perform within a society. Conceptually, it views society as a complex system where all parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
Association
An association, as understood in social anthropology, is a voluntary grouping of individuals that's based on common interests, social, economic, or political objectives. These associations could be formal, such as clubs, societies, corporations, or informal like friend circles or peer groups.
Ethnogenesis
Ethnogenesis refers to the emergence and development of a distinct ethnic group. This process often involves the amalgamation of different groups who share common cultural, linguistic, or historical backgrounds.
Social Groups
A social group is composed of two or more people who interact and identify with each other and share a common objective or purpose. This interaction and shared identification form the basis of society, ranging from small groups like families to larger ones like communities, religious groups, or entire societies.
Situation and Context
Understanding human behavior necessitates a nuanced comprehension of both situation and context. The interplay between the two shapes societal interactions and constructs.
Agent and Agency
The field of anthropology has significantly been influenced by the concept of 'agent' and 'agency', broadening our understanding of how individuals shape societies and cultures.
Moiety System
A moiety system is a method of social division where a society is split into two complementary parts or 'halves,' commonly known as moieties. These halves or moieties serve to structure the society, directing social interactions, marriage rules, and religious responsibilities, to name a few.
Complex Societies
Complex Societies can be defined as human civilizations that exhibit advanced forms of social organisation, often characterised by centralised governance, social stratification, division of labour, technological Advancements, and cultural institutions.
Social Control
Social control refers to the various mechanisms that regulate individual and group behavior in an attempt to maintain order and promote conformity within a society.