The structures of egalitarian and non-egalitarian societies highlight different aspects of human social organization. While egalitarian societies reflect values of equality and shared responsibility, non-egalitarian societies underscore the human inclination towards structure, hierarchy, and individual achievement.
This term 'degrees of kinship' refers to the proximity of a genetic, adoptive, or marital relationship between individuals, creating a web of familial ties that shape our societies and identities. Degrees of kinship is a system anthropologists use to describe and classify the types of relationships that exist between family members in various cultures.
Rules of residence refer to the societal norms dictating where a newly married couple will establish their residence. Anthropologists have long been interested in the study of residence patterns because they illuminate the social organization, family structure, and value systems within a society
Social Sanctions play an integral role in maintaining societal norms and values by influencing individual behavior. They can be classified into positive and negative sanctions, each of which has formal and informal variations.
The dichotomy of Universalisation and Parochialisation represents the cultural dynamic of an increasingly interconnected world. Understanding these processes provides valuable insights into how societies and cultures negotiate their identities in the face of globalisation.
The complex fabric of human societies and cultures can be better understood through the dual concepts of "Great Tradition" and "Little Tradition", first introduced by Robert Redfield in his studies of Indian society in the mid-20th century.
Urban society, the societal segment that resides in cities, has always been an intriguing subject for anthropologists. Its complexities, diversity, and constantly evolving nature provide a fertile ground for anthropological study.
Peasant society represent a category of agrarian societies where the major mode of subsistence depends on small-scale agriculture. While the label ‘peasant’ may bear historical and cultural connotations, researchers aim to elucidate the anthropological understanding of peasant societies, drawing on key studies and theories.
The terms "folk" and "lore" individually pertain to people and knowledge, respectively. However, when combined as "folklore", they represent a rich cultural field of study filled with stories, myths, customs, and practices that have been passed down through generations.
Social dialects or sociolects are variants of language differentiated not by geographical areas (like regional dialects) but by various social parameters, such as social class, age, gender, and ethnic background.
In a broad sense, gossip can be defined as informal, private conversations about other people, usually not present during the discourse. These conversations, often anecdotal or speculative, can involve both negative and positive statements.
Social stratification refers to the organization of individuals into social hierarchies based on various factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. These hierarchies are often stable across generations and influence the opportunities available to people within society.
