Anthropology Key Term Questions

The transformation of the first chiefdoms into the first city-states in Mesopotamia by about 3500 B.C. was based on elite control of mass production and long-distance trade, conquest, war, and unequal access to landed wealth. This means that the ruling elite in these societies had control over the production of goods on a large scale and engaged in trade over long distances. They also used conquest and war to expand their territories and gain more wealth and resources. Additionally, there was unequal distribution of land and wealth, with the ruling elite having greater access to these resources compared to the rest of the population.

A transfer of valuables between male heads of families to formalize marriages is called dowry. This practice is historically prevalent in many cultures and is often seen as a way to provide financial security for the bride in her new household. However, dowry has also been associated with negative consequences such as gender inequality, domestic violence, and financial burden on the bride's family.

Cultural relativism is the belief that the behavior and customs of a particular culture should not be judged or evaluated based on the standards of another culture. This perspective recognizes that different cultures have their own unique values, beliefs, and practices, and that it is important to understand and respect these differences rather than imposing one's own cultural norms. Cultural relativism promotes cultural diversity and encourages individuals to approach other cultures with an open mind and without ethnocentric biases.

The correct answer is that both the Inca ruler and the Hawaiian king headed royal lineages, were treated like gods, and wielded significant power. This means that they both came from a royal lineage, were considered divine or god-like figures, and held considerable authority and influence.

The correct answer, option a), suggests that the structure of a language has an impact on how its speakers perceive and understand the world around them. This means that the way a language is structured influences the way its speakers think, conceptualize ideas, and interpret their experiences. It implies that different languages may have different ways of expressing and understanding certain concepts, leading to variations in cultural perspectives and cognitive processes.

The correct answer is c. tendency toward equilibrium of population and resource consumption. In tribal societies, there is often a balance between population growth and resource consumption. This is because tribal communities typically have a deep understanding of their local environment and the limits of its resources. They have developed sustainable practices that allow them to live in harmony with their surroundings, ensuring that their population does not exceed the available resources. This equilibrium helps to maintain the stability and resilience of the tribal world.

The basic Aboriginal material inventory includes a digging stick, spear, and fire. These items were essential tools and resources for Aboriginal people. The digging stick was used for farming and gathering food, while the spear was used for hunting and fishing. Fire was a crucial element for cooking, warmth, and protection. These three items represent the fundamental tools and resources that Aboriginal people relied on for their daily survival and livelihood.

The correct answer is "The Dreaming." The Dreaming refers to the multi-dimensional set of aboriginal beliefs about the cosmos. It is a complex concept that encompasses creation stories, ancestral beings, and the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. The Dreaming is considered a fundamental aspect of Aboriginal culture and provides a framework for understanding the world and one's place in it. It is a rich and diverse belief system that shapes Aboriginal identity, spirituality, and relationships with the land and community.

In African cattle societies with an ideology of patrilineal descent, the correct answer is that only men own and have rights in cattle. This means that women are not allowed to touch cattle and grandmothers, although they may do all the milking, have no rights in cattle. This suggests that ownership and rights over cattle are exclusively reserved for men in these societies, indicating a patriarchal system where men hold power and control over the cattle resources.

According to Chagnon, Yanomamo men fight because aggressive behavior increases their reproductive success. This means that men who engage in aggressive behavior are more likely to have more children and pass on their genes to the next generation. This could be due to factors such as gaining access to more resources, attracting more mates, or establishing dominance within the community. Ultimately, the aggressive behavior is seen as advantageous in terms of reproductive success, which may explain why Yanomamo men engage in fights.

The desire for economic gain is the most important stimulant or motivator of change in the area of planned culture change. This is because individuals are often driven by the prospect of improving their financial situation and achieving economic prosperity. The pursuit of economic gain can incentivize people to embrace and adapt to new cultural practices, technologies, and systems that can lead to economic growth and improved living standards. Economic gain provides individuals with a tangible and personal benefit, making it a powerful motivator for change.

Exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside of one's own culturally defined group. This means that individuals are encouraged or expected to marry someone from a different cultural background, ethnicity, or social group. This practice promotes diversity and the exchange of ideas and traditions between different groups. It can also help to prevent inbreeding and strengthen social ties between different communities.

A group of aboriginal people who camp and forage together are called a band. This term is commonly used to refer to small, mobile groups of indigenous people who live together and rely on hunting, gathering, and fishing for their sustenance. Bands are typically composed of extended family members and have a fluid social structure, with leadership roles often rotating among members. This term is often used specifically in reference to certain indigenous groups in North America.

Ethnography is the study of different cultures and societies through fieldwork, which involves immersing oneself in the community being studied and observing their behaviors, beliefs, and customs. It is a method used in cultural anthropology to gain an in-depth understanding of specific groups of people and their way of life. Ethnographers typically spend extended periods of time living with the community they are studying, engaging in participant observation, conducting interviews, and collecting data to analyze and interpret cultural patterns and social dynamics.

An anthropologist doing fieldwork strives to achieve the role of a participant observer. This means that they actively participate in the culture or community they are studying while also observing and documenting their experiences. By immersing themselves in the daily life of the community, the anthropologist can gain a deeper understanding of the culture and its practices. This approach allows for a more holistic and nuanced analysis of the community, as the anthropologist can observe firsthand the social interactions, rituals, and beliefs of the group.

The average number of people in foraging bands varies around 50 worldwide. This suggests that in different regions and cultures, foraging bands tend to consist of approximately 50 individuals on average.

Globalisation refers to the processes that are making nations and people increasingly interlinked and mutually dependent. It involves the exchange of goods, services, information, and ideas on a global scale, leading to the integration and interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies. Through globalisation, nations and people become more interconnected through trade, communication, and technology, resulting in increased interdependence and the breaking down of barriers between countries.

Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses at the same time. In this case, the correct answer states that polygamy is the marriage between a man and two or more women. This form of polygamy is known as polygyny. It is important to note that polygamy can also include other variations, such as polyandry (marriage between a woman and two or more men) or group marriage (marriage between multiple individuals). However, in this specific question, the correct answer focuses on the relationship between a man and multiple women.

Ethnology is the component of cultural anthropology that is comparative and focused on building upon our understanding of how cultural systems work. It involves the study and analysis of different cultures and societies, comparing their similarities and differences to gain insights into the functioning of cultural systems. Ethnologists often conduct research through fieldwork and data collection, using ethnographic methods to gather information about specific cultural groups. By examining various cultural systems, ethnology aims to contribute to the broader understanding of human culture and society.

The term "Emic" refers to cultural meanings that are derived from within a specific culture and are believed to be unique to that culture. It focuses on understanding a culture from the perspective of its members, taking into account their beliefs, values, and practices. This term is used in anthropology and sociology to differentiate from the concept of "Etic," which refers to an outsider's perspective on a culture.

A dowry refers to the gift that the wife's family gives to the husband's family in some cultures or societies. It is a traditional practice where the wife's family provides financial or material assets as a form of support for the newly married couple. The purpose of a dowry can vary, but it is often seen as a way to establish the wife's status and to ensure her financial security in her new household.

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A totem is a cultural association between specific natural objects and human social groups. It is a symbol or emblem that represents a particular social group, such as a clan or tribe, and is often associated with spiritual or religious significance. Totems can be animals, plants, or other natural objects that are believed to have a special connection or relationship with a specific group of people. They serve as a way to identify and unite members of the group and often carry symbolic meanings and beliefs.

In Pacific Island societies, the correct answer suggests that they were aristocracies based on the belief in the inherent superiority of a line of descent. This means that social status and leadership positions were determined by one's lineage or ancestry, with those from certain lineages considered superior and having more power and authority. This belief in superiority based on descent would have influenced the social structure and hierarchy within these societies.

Berlin and Kay found that the number of basic color terms in any language varied from 2 to 11, but there was great consistency in the "focal point" of each term on the color spectrum. This means that while different languages may have different numbers of basic color terms, the specific colors that these terms refer to are consistent across languages.

The Polynesian system of mana provided supernatural support for chiefly status. Mana is a concept in Polynesian culture that refers to a supernatural power or energy that is associated with chiefs and other important individuals. It is believed that those with high mana have a closer connection to the gods and possess greater authority and influence. Therefore, the system of mana played a crucial role in supporting the status and power of chiefs in Polynesian society.

Brown's work on the "folk" classification of plants and animals in different languages led him to conclude that increasing urbanization and political complexity have led to a loss of detailed knowledge of plants and animals. This means that as societies become more urbanized and politically complex, people tend to have less knowledge about the specific plants and animals in their environment. This can be attributed to a shift in focus towards other aspects of life and a decrease in direct interaction with nature.

The Nuer established paternity based on lineage, which refers to the descent from a common ancestor. In Nuer society, lineage is a crucial social and cultural institution that determines kinship and inheritance. Paternity is determined by tracing one's lineage through the male line, as the Nuer practice patrilineal descent. This means that children are considered to belong to their father's lineage, and their rights and obligations are determined accordingly. Therefore, lineage plays a significant role in establishing paternity among the Nuer.

The correct answer is that the models of cultural evolution developed by unilineal evolutionists were based on very little ethnographic data. This means that the models were not grounded in a comprehensive understanding of various cultures and societies, leading to inaccurate and incomplete representations of cultural evolution.

The Amazonian subsistence production systems aim to maximize leisure, household autonomy, and labor equality between men and women. This means that the systems prioritize creating free time for individuals, allowing households to have control over their own affairs, and ensuring that men and women have equal access to and involvement in labor. This is achieved by increasing the amount of garden work done by women and supporting non-food producing specialists. Although the systems require continuous work from dawn to dusk to meet basic needs, the labor is shared equitably between men and women. Men are responsible for tasks like garden clearing, hunting, and fishing, which often require them to work longer hours than women.

The correct answer is population growth, reliance on non-renewable energy, and non-sustainable consumption. This is because the emerging commercial-scale culture was characterized by an increase in population, which led to a higher demand for resources and energy. However, instead of relying on renewable energy sources, this culture relied on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels. Additionally, the consumption patterns of this culture were not sustainable, meaning that resources were being used at a faster rate than they could be replenished.

Programmes of planned change often do not have the desired effect because of a failure to understand the impact of cultural issues on change. Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping individuals' beliefs, values, and behaviors. When implementing a change program, it is crucial to consider the cultural context in which it will take place. Failure to do so may result in resistance, lack of acceptance, or even rejection of the proposed changes by the affected individuals or groups. Therefore, understanding and addressing cultural issues are essential for successful planned change initiatives.

In Nuer marriages, the agreement between the families of the bride and groom involves rights over cattle and women. This suggests that cattle and women hold significant value in Nuer society and are considered important assets in the marriage arrangement. It implies that the bride's family may receive cattle as a form of dowry, while the groom's family gains the woman as a wife. This cultural practice highlights the economic and social importance placed on both cattle and women in Nuer marriages.

The Inca emperors expanded their social power by creating separate and balanced economic, political, military, and ideological power structures. This allowed them to institutionalize heterarchy, decentralizing power and distributing it among different structures. This approach ensured that power was not concentrated in one central authority, but rather spread out among different sectors. By doing so, the Inca emperors were able to maintain control and expand their influence over a larger territory.

Endogamy refers to the culturally sanctioned practice of marrying someone within a group to which one belongs. This means that individuals are expected to marry someone from their own social, cultural, or religious group. It is a way of preserving and reinforcing social, cultural, or religious boundaries and ensuring the continuity of traditions and values within a specific group. In contrast, exogamy refers to the practice of marrying someone outside of one's own group. Incest refers to sexual relationships or marriage between close relatives, while hypogamy refers to marrying someone of lower social status. Endosperm is a term related to plant biology and has no relevance to the question.

Patrilocal refers to a society where married couples go and live with the male's side of the family. This means that after marriage, the husband and wife leave the wife's family and move to the husband's family's household. It is a common practice in many traditional societies where the husband's family holds more importance and authority. This arrangement allows for the continuation of the husband's lineage and the preservation of family traditions and property.

The process of diminishing returns refers to the point at which the benefits gained from an activity or resource start to decline. In the context of states, environmental imbalance can lead to diminishing returns as the natural resources necessary for sustaining a complex society become depleted or compromised. This can result in a collapse of the state as it becomes unable to meet the needs of its population. Therefore, environmental imbalance is a likely cause for the collapse of states according to the concept of diminishing returns.

As the total social income of a society increases with economic growth, the top few hundred super-elite increase their wealth. This means that while the overall society may experience economic growth, the majority of the benefits are concentrated in the hands of a small group of extremely wealthy individuals. This can lead to income inequality and a widening wealth gap between the super-elite and the rest of the population.

The correct answer is c. Impoverishing conditions of social power and the impossibility of perpetual growth in a finite world. This answer suggests that the main threats to sustainable cultural development in the commercial world are the worsening conditions of social power and the fact that perpetual growth is not possible in a finite world. This implies that the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few can lead to impoverishment and inequality, while the pursuit of unlimited economic growth in a world with limited resources is unsustainable.

Exogamy, the practice of marrying outside one's social group, increases the number of individuals on whom one can rely in times of need. By marrying outside their immediate family or community, individuals establish connections and alliances with other groups, expanding their support network. This can be beneficial in situations such as resource scarcity, conflict, or emergencies, as individuals can rely on their extended network for assistance and cooperation. Therefore, exogamy is considered adaptive as it enhances social resilience and increases the availability of support in times of need.

The correct answer is that evolution took place within a single evolving lineage. This means that all modern humans can be traced back to a common ancestor and have evolved over time through genetic changes and adaptations. It suggests that there was no replacement or assimilation of archaic humans by African modern humans, and it does not make any claims about modern humans being the most evolved or having only lived for the last 100,000 years.

The correct answer is b) Without metal tools Amazonian peoples could not hunt and fish effectively. This answer suggests that the lack of metal tools hindered the ability of Amazonian peoples to effectively hunt and fish for protein. This limitation would have had a significant impact on the availability of protein in the region, which in turn would have limited the size of villages. Cultural factors such as the absence of writing or preferences for large villages are not directly related to the availability of protein and therefore do not explain the limitation on village size.

In Amazonian society, a headman is expected to possess good public speaking skills and be particularly generous. This suggests that the role of a headman involves effective communication with the community and a willingness to provide support and assistance to others. This aligns with the idea that leadership in this society is based on qualities such as charisma, generosity, and the ability to effectively communicate and engage with others, rather than relying on coercive violence or special dress and insignias of office.

Village exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside of one's own village, while deferred exchange trading partnerships involve economic exchanges between men from different villages. These practices can help reduce the potential for conflict between villages by fostering interdependence and cooperation. By forming alliances through marriage and trade, villages can establish relationships based on mutual benefit, which can discourage feuding and violent conflict. Therefore, village exogamy and deferred exchange trading partnerships are likely to reduce the potential for intervillage conflict.

The Polynesian status systems combined both ascription and achievement, which means that social status was determined by both inherited characteristics and personal accomplishments. This combination promoted status rivalry, as individuals could strive to improve their status through their achievements, while also being influenced by their ascribed characteristics. This system allowed for some social mobility and competition within the society.

Hegemony refers to the ideological domination of one cultural group over another through various means such as institutions, bureaucracy, education, and sometimes force. This term describes the way in which a dominant group establishes and maintains its power and influence over others, shaping their beliefs, values, and behaviors. Unlike colonialism, which involves the physical occupation and control of territories, hegemony focuses more on the cultural, social, and intellectual aspects of domination. Imperialism, on the other hand, refers to the political and economic control of one nation over others, often involving the establishment of colonies. Globalization, while it can have hegemonic elements, refers more broadly to the interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.

Human groups differ in their capacities for culture. This statement is not true because all human groups have culture. Culture is a universal aspect of human societies and is present in all human groups. It is through culture that humans are able to adapt and survive in different environments. While there may be variations in the specific practices and beliefs of different cultures, the capacity for culture is shared by all humans. Cultural learning, although elaborated among humans, is not unique to humans as other animals also exhibit forms of cultural learning.

Indigenous peoples often face political conflict with larger-scale cultures due to political centralization and economic inequality. This means that indigenous communities may have a centralized political structure, which can clash with the more decentralized systems of larger cultures. Additionally, indigenous peoples may experience economic inequality, where they have limited access to resources and opportunities compared to larger-scale cultures. These factors can create tensions and conflicts between indigenous peoples and larger cultures, leading to political disputes and social unrest.

Matrilocality in Amazonia may be functionally associated with a high rate of selective female infanticide. This means that in societies where matrilocality is practiced, where married couples live with or near the wife's family, there may be a higher likelihood of selective female infanticide. This could be because the preference for male offspring is greater in these societies, leading to the killing or abandonment of female infants. This practice could help maintain matrilineal descent and ensure that land and resources are passed down through the female line.

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