LN Anthro Final PDF
LN Anthro Final PDF
LN Anthro Final PDF
Introduction to Sociocultural
Anthropology
June 2005
This material is intended for educational use only by practicing health care workers or
students and faculty in a health care field.
PREFACE
Anthropology is a social science, which studies mankind
in its entirety. The term in its literal sense means, study
of mankind, as it is a combination of two Greek words,
namely, anthropos and logos. Anthropology has gained
popularity rapidly within the social/ behavioral sciences
circle. Through its various fields of specialization, it
offers us great insights into the ways of lives of human
societies across time and space.
as
sociology,
economics,
social
anthropology,
and
hence
may
ideas
and
knowledge
in
the
science
of
ii
may
appreciating
also
the
gain
social,
an
indirect
cultural,
and
benefit
of
behavioral
history,
branches,
subject-matter
and
iii
section
for
easy
reference.
Important
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
These lecture notes are prepared with the financial
assistance made by the Carter Center. I, thus, first of all
wish to thank the Caret Center. I also want to thank the
College of Health Sciences, Debub University, for giving
me the chance to participate in preparing these lecture
notes. My appreciation also goes to Ato Alemante
Amera, my colleague in the College for his constructive
comment on the material, during the intra-institutional
review meeting. I also wish to extend my deepest thanks
to inter-institutional reviewers Ato Woubshet Demewoz,
Jimma
University;
Ato
Abraraw
Tesfaye,
Gondar
vi
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Page
Preface................................................................................. i
Acknowledgements ............................................................. iv
Table of Contents ................................................................ viii
List of Illustrative Boxes, Figures and Tables ...................... xiv
viii
ix
........................................................ 115
xi
xii
xiii
Illustrative boxes
Page
xiv
Tables
Table 2.1. Summary of theories in sociocultural
anthropology ................................................................... 52
Table 3.1. A list of some cultural universals................... 104
Table 7.1. Strengths and weaknesses of traditional and
scientific medicine.......................................................... 190
Figures
Figure 4.1. An example of nuclear family form .............. 124
xv
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Learning Objectives
After completing this Chapter, the students are expected
to:
(adapted
from
lectures
by
my
undergraduate
anthropology instructor):
One misconception about anthropology is related to
the area of its study. It is said that anthropology is
limited to the study of "primitive" societies. Indeed,
most of the works done by anthropologists during
early periods focused on isolated, "primitive", smallscale societies. However, anthropologists nowadays
study the advanced, complex societies as well.
Another misconception is that anthropologists only
study the rural people and rural areas. True, most of
the works conducted focused on rural areas. But
now, anthropologists are also interested in the study
of urban people and urban areas. There is a distinct
sub-discipline devoted to the study of urban
societies -urban anthropology-which focuses on
small-scale society in a complex city.
It is claimed that anthropologists are only interested
in the study of far away, remote exotic communities
living isolated from the influences of modernization.
True, most anthropologists go to fieldwork to an
5
cultural
practices
in
museums
and
Box
1.2.
Four
misconceptions
about
anthropology
1. Anthropology is limited to the study of
"primitive" societies.
2. Anthropologists only study the rural people
and rural areas.
3. Anthropologists are only interested in the
study of far away, remote exotic communities
living
isolated
from
the
influences
of
modernization.
4. Anthropology wants to keep and preserve
primitive,
defunct
cultural
practices
in
atmosphere
of
that
is
called
the
movement
that
emphasized
human
quality
and
quantity
of
ethnographic
research.
Early anthropologists mainly studied small communities
in technologically simple societies. Such societies are
often called by various names, such as, traditional, nonindustrialized or simple societies. Anthropologists of the
early 1900s emphasized the study of social and cultural
differences among human groups. Here, many of the
indigenous peoples of the non-western world and their
social and cultural features were studied in detail and
documented. This approach is called ethnography. By
the mid-1900, however, anthropologists attempted to
discover universal human patterns and the common biopsychological traits that bind all human beings. This
approach is called ethnology. Ethnology aims at the
comparative understanding and analysis of different
ethnic groups across time and space (Kottak, 2002;
Scupin and DeCorse, 1995).
10
11
although
that
no
humanity
full
is
evidences
are
product
the
of
12
economic,
political
and
intellectual
13
may
identify
five
distinguishing
marks
of
anthropology:
1. Its Broad Scope
The main distinguishing characteristic of anthropology,
the thing that makes it different from the many other
fields that also include people as their subject mater is
14
observation,
in-depth
and
key
anthropology
and
archaeological
17
18
19
concerns
of
this
sub-branch
of
physical
forensic
specialists
in
aiding
criminal
forensic
anthropologists
identify
crash
anthropologists
conduct
studies
of
living
the
world's
people.
Those
who
conduct
anthropology
are
ethnography
and
of
urban/rural/economic
art,
medical
anthropology,
anthropology,
political
religion,
legal
anthropology,
22
demographic
and
sequencing
material
culture;
2)
23
archeology:
Prehistoric
archeology
prehistoric
archeology.
It
is
an
approach
to
relying
on
information
provided
by
cultural
anthropologists.
Historical archaeology: uses the evidence provided by
excavated remains to enhance our understanding of
24
Classical
archeology;
archeology:
it
deals
Is
an
primarily
aspect
with
of
historic
the
ancient
experimental
archeology,
biblical
terms
linguistics,
linguistic
and
anthropology
ethnolinguistics
anthropological
are
often
used
the
more
preferred
term
is
linguistic
27
anthropology,
the
application
of
Brown,
1993).
The
problems
may
include:
28
Sociocultural
anthropology,
Specializations
primatology,
in
physical
anthropology:
paleoanthropology,
anthropometry,
anthropology,
urban
anthropology,
anthropology,
development
archeology,
prehistoric
archeology,
Specializations
sociolinguistics,
in
linguistic
historical
linguistics, etc
29
anthropology:
linguistics,
structural
It
helps
us
fight
against
an
appreciation
of
cultural
diversity.
example,
investigate
the
interrelationship
32
1. Health,
disease
and
illness
are
as
much
33
to
sociocultural
factors
such
as
the
34
sociologists,
novelists,
economists,
in
the
non-western
world.
Its
holistic,
sociocultural
anthropology,
linguistic
36
Review Questions
1. What is anthropology?
2. Discuss the historical backgrounds of sociocultural
anthropology.
3. What is the difference between ethnography and
ethnology?
4. What
is
forensic
anthropology?
Discuss
its
applicability in Ethiopia.
5. Why do anthropologists study primate behavior?
6. What common characteristics does anthropology
share with the other sciences?
7. Why do anthropologists use emic approach in their
research?
8. What distinguishes anthropology from other human
sciences?
9. What are the personal and professional uses of
anthropology to you?
10. Define paleoanthropology. What are its limitations?
11. Distinguish
between
historical
archeology,
37
CHAPTER TWO
THEORIES AND RESEARCH
METHODS IN SOCIOCULTURAL
ANTHROPOLOGY
Learning Objectives
After completing this Chapter, students will be able to:
Understand
the
forces
that
shaped
the
hypotheses
that
offer
38
general
their
basic
premises,
explanatory
power
and
weaknesses.
2.1.1. Evolutionism
This theory may also be termed as the theory of cultural
or sociocultural evolution (Zanden, 1990). Evolutionism
dominated anthropological thinking mainly during the
latter part of 19th century. In fact, some argue that the
growth of anthropology as a science is tied up with the
development of the doctrine of evolution; neither could
have developed with out the other (Calverton, 1931).
The 19th century evolutionary theory in anthropology had
especially two prominent proponents, who developed
what is termed as unilineal evolution. These were
Edward B. Tylor and Lewis Henry Morgan. Unilineal
evolution is the view that societies evolve in a single
direction toward complexity, progress and civilization. It
39
from
simple
to
complex.
The
evolutionary
has
been
40
marked
by
persistent
41
to
unilineal
evolution.
An
American
The theory
Two
functionalism
dominant
were
British
Radcliff
anthropologists
Brown
and
in
Bronslaw
functionalism,
which
stresses
the
function
to
maintain
social
order
and
1992).
The
theory
was
ahistorical,
44
early
childhood
experience
in
shaping
the
inherent
part
of
social
organization.
Neo-
anthropological
theory
derives
directly
or
wrong.
Despite
these
shortcomings,
Marxian
to
simple
adaptations
to
the
external
technology,
environment
and
material
schools
of
thought,
including
structuralism,
is
sometimes
referred
to
as
cognitive
50
texts
to
be
interpreted
and
described
by
51
Weaknesses
theory
does it state?
Unilineal
evolutionism
culture
speculation
to civilization
2.
Diffusionism
Cultures
change Useful
in
explain 1. Ethnocentric
non-western
centers of innovation
societies are
to other areas
inherently inferior
52
3.
Historical
Each
culture
is
a Rejected
Particualrism
broader
to be studied and of
cultural factors
documented
in
historical context;
its relativism;
beyond
ethnographic,
empirical research
grow.
Functionalism
integrated, ethnographic
holistic entities
research highly
on
stability
and order.
5
Culture
personality
shape
individuals understanding
53
character
and
vice versa
6.
culture dynamics
Neo-
modification
functionalism
functionalist
of Filled
gaps
and competition
of
fundamental
competition
structural changes
Marxist
Some
of
its
anthropology
struggle
assumptions
and
of
social understanding
predictions failed to
the
occur;
dominant
minority
and development
groups
society
in
issues of stability
an unity
54
neglecting
8.
Cultural
The
Neglecting
ecology
interaction
historical
culture
and
ecology
and
political
aspects;
stated some of
stressing
the
small-scale cultures
environment;
the
theory
and adaptive
reduce
tends
to
human
behavior to simple
adaptations to the
external
environment
9.
Cultural
materialism
help
55
create
and dimensions
of
evolution
are
technology,
environment
and
material conditions
10.
Structuralism
The
universal
origin
nature
explaining variation
treats culture as a
societies;
order
and
56
culture
and adaptive
dimensions
of
culture
11.
Ethnoscience
Interested
describing
a of
ach
peoples specific
cognitive neglecting
dimensions
culture
their
environment through
language;
and
the
principles
that
57
the
of material
cultures;
of
making
12.
Symbolic
anthropology
through
the towards
the
Focuses
idea exclusively
on
expense
of
society
58
and
2.2.
Research
Methods
in
Sociocultural
Anthropology
In this section, attempt is made to describe briefly the
main issues and components of research methods in
anthropology.
2.2.1. The Scientific Method and Inductive vs.
Deductive Approaches
Anthropology is a science. As such, it is concerned with
systematically observing and classifying facts, and
establishing verifiable laws. Anthropology, like any other
science employs scientific method, which is the source
for scientific knowledge. The scientific method is a
logical system used to evaluate data derived from
systematic observation. The scientific method as a
precise way of designing and conducting research
consists of the following basic steps: (1) establishing a
hypothesis, a general statement based on observed
facts; 2) determining ways to test the hypothesis,
incorporating them in research design; 3) testing the
hypothesis through research and further observation
(Howard and Dunaif-Hattis, 1992:7)
59
60
61
The
Nowadays,
most
libraries
maintain
hypotheses
by
embedding
those
63
Data
Collection
Strategies/
Methods
in
Anthropology
Ethnography is the anthropologists distinct strategy in
data collection. It is the hallmark of anthropology.
Ethnography provides a foundation for generalizations
about human behavior and social life. There are various
techniques employed by anthropologists when collecting
information. The main field techniques in anthropology
are discussed below.
Participant Observation
Observation is central to any anthropological research.
The researcher has to pay attention to the many and
varied details of daily life among the people. Both
64
Ethnographic
Conversation,
Interviewing
and
Interview Schedule
As anthropologists maintain rapport with the people,
they begin to record information starting by even the
simplest conversation with informants. While simply
conversing with community members, the anthropologist
can identify and obtain important information for his/her
research project. However, the researcher also depends
on interviewing techniques. Individuals or groups are
identified and may be interviewed on issues of
relevance for the anthropologist. While doing so, the
anthropologist may use interview schedules, pre65
ethnographic
technique
was
developed
by
method
is
important
in
what
66
Well-Informed Informants
These are also called key informants, and the method
is termed as key informant interview. Here, very
knowledgeable
individuals
in
the
community
are
Life Histories
Anthropologists also employ life history techniques. In
the process of his/her fieldwork the researcher may
come across with individual or groups who present him/
her with interesting cases. So the researcher conducts
in-depth investigation on the life histories of the
individuals or groups. Life histories reveal how specific
people perceive, react to and contribute to changes that
affect their lives (Kottak, 1994:26)
often
employ
two
contrasting
viewpoint
to
the
study
of
the
the
views
of
the
researcher.
In
practice,
Problem-Based Ethnography
Anthropological field research has usually to address
specific problems; the researcher may thus enter a
community
with
specific
questions
in
mind.
68
Longitudinal Research
The anthropologists research is not limited to a specific
locality or time period; often anthropologists conduct
longitudinal researches, with a long-term study of a
community, region, society, culture or other unit, usually
based on repeated visits (Kotttak 1994:27). Such kind of
research reveals important insights on the dynamic and
complex factors that affect the lives of people over
longer periods of time.
Survey Research
All of the above research techniques are qualitative in
nature;
qualitative
despite
anthropologists
research
techniques,
heavily
they
employ
also
use
the
survey
techniques
has
been
who
provide
information
are
termed
as
Ethnographers
do
firsthand
fieldwork,
Ethnographers
usually
get
to
know
their
where
most
people
are
literate;
71
inferences
about
larger
population.
more
typically
concerned
with
the
Participant observation
In-depth
interviewing
Problem
based
ethnography
Ethnographic conversations
Longitudinal
study
Life histories
Genealogical method
72
73
1996).
Research
report
writing
in
74
The
first
anthropological
th
theories
that
th
75
conflict
schools
of
though
such
as
neo-
on
understanding
and
describing
the
such
as
interviews,
76
ethnographic
77
Review Questions
1.
2.
Discuss
the
varieties
of
functionalist
and
evolutionary theories.
3.
and
weakness
of
these
theories
themselves?
8. Outline
the
differences
between
78
ethnographic
79
CHAPTER THREE
THE CONCEPT OF CULTURE
Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
80
between
beginning
students
culture
it
may
and
be
society.
often
difficult
For
to
81
customs,
82
music,
dancing
and
83
84
definitions
of
culture,
anthropologists
have
85
86
Individual
situation
learning:
this
means
an
and
through
observation
and
social
interaction.
4. Culture is symbolic
Symbolic thought is unique and crucial to humans and
to culture. Symbolic thought is the human ability to give
a thing or event an arbitrary meaning and grasp and
appreciate that meaning Symbols are the central
components of culture. Symbols refer to anything to
which people attach meaning and which they use to
communicate with others. More specifically, symbols are
words, objects, gestures, sounds or images that
represent something else rather than themselves.
Symbolic thought is unique and crucial to humans and
to culture. It is the human ability to give a thing or event
an arbitrary meaning and grasp and appreciate that
meaning. There is no obvious natural or necessary
connection between a symbol and what it symbolizes.
Culture thus works in the symbolic domain emphasizing
meaning, rather than the technical/practical rational side
of human behavior. All actions have symbolic content as
88
6. Culture is shared
It is a possession of individuals as members of a social
group; observing, listening, talking and interacting with
other people learn it. Culturally distinct ways of thinking,
behaving, feeling, and responding become habitual very
early in life
7. Culture is patterned
Cultures are not haphazard collection of customs and
beliefs, but are integrated, patterned systems. The parts
are interrelated. Culture is an integrated whole, that is
the parts of culture are interrelated to one another. No
one single cultural trait has its meaning outside of its
integrated context.
90
condition, unlike
other
animas,
makes
6. Culture is shared
7. Culture is
patterned
8. People
creatively use
culture
4. Culture is symbolic
9. Culture is
adaptive and
maladaptive
10. Culture is
stable and yet
changing
92
Recognizing
that
what
is
immoral,
ethical,
95
the
dilemmas
and
concepts
involve
contradictions
difficult
choices,
regarding
cultural
standards
which
are
universally
found
97
Culture
Traits
(elements):
are
the
smallest
constituting
the
entire
cultural
98
99
100
cultural
imperialism,
the
unequal
cultural
psychological,
social
and
other
famous
statement
of
the
American
groups.
Still
other
cultural
features
are
Biological
universals:
long
period
of
infant
from
experiences
common
to
human
as
taboo
that
is
something
103
_________________________________________________________________________
age grading
faith healing
joking
pregnancy usages
athletics
family
kin groups
property rites
bodily adornments
feasting
kin terminology
puberty customs
calendar
fire making
language
religious rituals
community organization
folklore
magic
residence rules
cooking
food taboos
marriage
sexual restrictions
cooperative labor
funeral rites
mealtimes
soul concepts
cosmology
games
medicine
status differentiation
courtship
gestures
modesty
trade
dancing
gift giving
mourning
tool making
decorative labor
greetings
music
visiting
division of labor
hair styles
mythology
weaning
104
dream interpretation
hospitality
numerals
education
housing
obstetrics
ethics
hygiene
personal names
ethnobotany
incest taboos
population policy
etiquette
inheritance rules
postnatal care
weather control
105
through
contacts,
trades,
wars,
etc;
or
by
societies.
They
occur
rarely.
For
example,
shock
maladjustment
is
at
the
psychological
micro
or
macro
and
level
social
that
is
Highly ethnocentric
in
the
section
dealing
with
Linguistic
108
in
human
psychology
(Kottak,
1994).
109
its
extreme
however,
pauses
danger
and
controversies.
Some cultural beliefs and practices are universal,
meaning they are found among all human groups;
others are generalized, meaning they are practiced by
most peoples in the world; while others are particular,
meaning they are limited to few human groups. Culture
has components within it; culture traits represent the
simple strands or elements in peoples culture, like the
use of knife or fork when eating food; culture traits
combined together are culture complexes, and culture
complexes combined together give us the culture
pattern of people.
Culture and the behaviors of individual persons in group
or society are intimately tied together. Individuals usually
behave, act, think, and view things according to the
general cultural values, norms, beliefs of the group to
which they belong. Peoples character and personality
types are mainly the reflections of their culture.
112
Review Questions
1. What is culture?
2. Mention and discuss the key characteristics of
culture.
3. Distinguish between ethnocentrism and cultural
relativism.
4. How should you as a health science student being
trained in a highly rationalized science respond to
the traditional values, beliefs and practices (including
for
example
the
so-called
harmful
traditional
114
CHAPTER FOUR
KINSHIP, MARRIAGE AND THE
FAMILY
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, the students will be able
to:
polygyny
is
much
more
common
than
and
Dunaif-Hattis,
1992).
There
are
are
also
some
other
forms
of
marriage
120
121
122
security,
the
need
to
regulate
sexual
to protect the young and the disabled (the sick), and the
need to socialize children.
The most important psychosocial function of the family is
socialization. It is the process by which newborn children
are trained in the societys values, norms, standards of
behaviors action, etc. Socialization is essential to the
personality,
emotional,
social
and
intellectual
would
develop
anti-societal
attitudes
and
behaviors.
The other important psychosocial function of the family,
particularly in traditional societies is providing social
support, psychological comfort and physical care and
protection for the young, the sick, the disabled and the
aged. Such families exert powerful authority on the
behaviors of children; this is particularly true regarding
childrens sexual behavior. One of the reasons for the
widespread nature of sexually transmitted diseases,
including HIV/AIDS could be the weakening of the
traditional authority systems of the family.
125
126
128
Review Questions
1. Define the term kinship?
2. How is kinship different from other forms of social
relationships?
3. Distinguish between the principles of consanguinity
and affinity.
4. What forms of marriage are practiced in your area?
5. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of
nuclear and extended family forms.
6. If men marry in your areas more than one woman,
explain the reasons behind. Is such a practice
declining or increasing? Why?
7. Discuss the psychosocial and effects of marriage
breakdown and/ or divorce.
8. Discuss the aspects of family and marriage systems
that have changed in your area. Which ones are
positive and which ones are negative?
9. How does levirate marriage or wife inheritance affect
the health of women?
10. Explain the psychosocial and physical effects of
early/ arranged marriage on the young woman.
129
CHAPTER FIVE
GENDER, ETHNICITY AND RACE
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter students will be able to:
Define gender;
Differentiate
between
biological
and
socio-
130
Patriarchy
refers
to
the
institutionalized
131
132
process,
gender
stratification.
134
ideologies
and
5.4.
Implications
of
Gender
Role
in
criminal
135
activities,
alcoholism,
gender
based
traditional
obstetric
and
roles
such
as
The womens
pregnancy,
childbirth,
widespread
communication,
University,
Dr
malnutrition
Teketel
Department
of
Abebe,
Sociology
(Personal
Addis
Ababa
and
Social
Administration.
and
imagined
biological
differences
to
the
average
citizen
conceptualizes
(or
140
or
141
most
extreme
form
of
ethnic
and
racial
expectancy,
limited
or
no
access
to
better
due
to
various
reasons,
including
or
Sudanese,
Semitic
or
Cushitic
are
have
been
openly
and
explicitly
146
Review Questions
1. What is the difference between sex and gender?
2. Why are females found in lower social, political and
economic positions than males in Ethiopia?
3. Mention at least ten gender stereotypes that may be
negative or positive which undermine women and
favor men.
4. What are the trends in the status of women in your
community? Are there positive changes? If yes, what
are the reasons?
5. What health problems do women face in your
community
due
to
gender
stratifications
and
discriminations?
6. What is the difference between ethnicity and race?
7. Are there cases of ethnic and racial prejudices,
stereotypes and discriminations in Ethiopia, and in
your community? Mention and discuss some of
them.
8. Are there cases of inequalities in access to
opportunities such as better health care services
among the different ethnic groups in Ethiopia and in
your area? If yes, give examples.
147
CHAPTER SIX
THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF
RELIGION
Learning Objectives
After completing this topic, students will be able to
Define religion;
one
of
the
main
subject
areas
for
(Bunnet,
1996).
What
interests
associated
aspects
149
like
magic,
witchcraft,
151
Number of adherents;
152
Sharing
various
religious
rituals
such
as
Religion serves as a force for protest and sociocultural change: Religion can be a force for
mobilizing people in the search for change or
protest against the prevailing exploitative and
oppressive socio-political and economic order.
154
Religion
may
play
an
important
role
in
revolutionary movements.
The global or organized religions have had both
powerful positive and negative impacts on society. As to
their positive contributions, the organized religion,
particularly the Judeo-Christian tradition, has been a
major force, among other things,
155
religious
ideology
underlying
health
156
witnessed
among
many
organized
religious
Food
taboos
based
on
religious
followers,
there
is
religiously
prescribed
for
treatments
example,
or
avoid
health
care.
using
certain
Family
medical
planning
and
Some religious
Medical
professionals
adhering
to
160
161
religions
are
mainly
concerned
with
the
162
163
Review Questions
1. What is religion?
2. What does the anthropology of religion study?
3. Why do anthropologists study religion?
4. How does being strong in religious commitment may
help one to be mentally and physically health?
5. Describe the four general social functions of religion.
6. What kind of relationship exists among religion,
traditional and scientific medicine?
7. Discuss the contribution of faith-based diagnostic
and curative functions as practiced in various
religious denominations in Ethiopia.
8. How does religion affect the health care seeking
behavior of individuals?
164
CHAPTER SEVEN
ANTHROPOLOGY AND HEALTH
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
Appreciate
the
roles,
applications
and
Understand
the
characterizes
of
traditional
medicine;
165
whose
main
concern
is
with
the
166
anthropologists
attempt
to
address
such
167
168
The following
adaptations
to
diseases
in
different
Applied
medical
anthropology
is
strongly
Applied
medical
anthropology
brings
with
it
the
171
improving
community
sanitation
and
nutritional counseling.
in
mass
172
drug
administration
or
Anthropologists
work
with
epidemiologists
and
health,
disease and
illness.
The
People's
understanding
of
health
and
the
173
culturally
constructed.
The
production
and
particularly
sexually
transmitted
ones,
from
poverty,
undernourishment
and
poor
or
weariness),
inactivity,
vagueness,
179
specialists,
and
techniques
aimed
at
180
181
massage,
folk
psychotherapy
and
Biomedicine
aims
to
link
illness
to
scientifically
were
not
accorded
systematic
analysis
(Ahrinbuwwa, 1999).
However, starting from the 1950s, social sciences and
medicine
began
showing
183
increasing
interest
in
medicine.
The
modern
health
care
psychological/emotional
comfort
and
social
relationship
and
physician-nurse
interactions.
Despite the dominance of, and in some obvious cases
the superiority in quality and utility of, modern scientific
medicine, the two systems of medicine have better to be
considered as complementing each other, rather than
competing and undermining one the other (Hellmann,
1984).
people
practitioners.
often
Both
consult
traditional
supernatural
and
medical
scientific
deals
with
traditional
medical
system,
institutional,
professional
and
technical
Most
importantly
the
hierarchical
medical
188
189
Name of Medical
No.
System
1.
Traditional medicine
Strengths
Effective
in
Weaknesses
treating
diseases
Lack
of
scientific
standards
of
psychosocial origin
Hygiene problem
Easy access
Patients
and
curers
Inability
to
effectively
Cheap
viral diseases
Treatment
of
holistic
Problem
of
risks
of
persons
contracting
outcomes
190
other
including
informal relationships
death high
people
in
most
developing societies
Is a source
instances
in many
for
the
modern medicine
2.
Scientific medicine
Able to overcome
many perennial
health problems
Patient and
Effective against
practitioner do not
hare similar
others diseases
worldviews about
Scientific
191
verifiability
Less risk of
unnecessary
Unequal authority
relations
Highly
impersonal
outcomes including
and
death related to
alienation
dosage, hygiene,
dehumanization
possibility
of
and
etc
High achievements
Relatively costlier.
in promoting health,
wellbeing,
longevity, etc
192
anthropology
may
be
regarded
as
the
health.
Anthropology
has
many
roles
and
194
Review Questions
1. Define the term medical anthropology.
2. In what manner do you think you would respond or
react to the traditional explanations of the causes of
diseases given that you are being trained in a highly
biomedical model of medicine/ health and disease?
3. Mention the application of medical anthropology in
health and medicine.
4. What types of theories of disease causation are held
in your area? Mention and explain them.
5. Are there categories or types of diseases in your
area that are not taken as a problem to a modern
medical system? List at least 10 such diseases and
explain why the people prefer to see a traditional
health.
6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
traditional medicine.
7. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
modern medicine.
8. Identify the different types of traditional medical
practitioners in your area and discuss the trend in
the influence and role of these doctors in the health
care sector in your area. What particular roles do
women play in this regard? Comparing the past with
195
196
GLOSSARY
Anthropology: The holistic, comparative and relativistic
study of humanity in its entirety.
Anthropology of religion: a specialized field of study
which is concerned with the relation between the sacred
and society.
Anthropometry: The study of human variations within
and among different populations in time and space,
human ecology, population genetics, etc
Applied anthropology: Is the fifth major field of
anthropology which is concerned with the application of
anthropological knowledge, methods and approaches to
the solving of human problems.
Archeological anthropology: A branch of anthropology
which studies the ways of lives of people who lived in
the remote and recent past.
Artifacts: the material remains of human societies used
in studying human cultural past
Bride price: is marriage payment made to the bride
and/or her group, in terms of money and material gifts
by the bridegroom.
197
archeology:
it
deals
Is
an
primarily
aspect
with
of
historic
the
ancient
198
are
the
infrastructures
which
include
cultural values.
Cultural universals: those culture traits, norms, values,
rules etc which are shared by more or less all people in
a given group or which are found universally among all
societies.
Culture: A complex whole which includes knowledge,
belief, art, law, morals, customs, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of
society
Culture and personality school: The theory which
maintains that the various patterned aspects of culture
shape the personality of individuals within a given
199
syndromes:
Certain
emotinalistic
pattern:
is
the
organization
of
culture
shock:
maladjustment
at
is
the
micro
psychological
or
macro
and social
level
that
is
the
natural
world
without
intervention
200
any
supernatural
trying
to
underhand
the
world
from
the
movement
that
emphasized
human
An
analogy
archeologists
in
which
approach
to
ethnographic
make
their
own
on
information
provided
by
cultural
anthropologists.
Ethnocentrism: the attitude that one's own culture and
one's own way of life is the center of the world and the
best of all. This arises from ignorance about other ethnic
groups and their ways of lives.
Ethnicity: is the process of identification with, and
feeling part of an ethnic group, and exclusion from
certain other groups because of this affiliation
Ethnography:
The
description,
analysis,
and
202
anthropology:
specialty
in
physical
whole
and
tries
to
explain
how
the
204
linguistics:
branch
of
linguistic
discrimination:
refers
to
programs,
whose
main
concern
is
with
the
psychology:
The
view
which
anthropology
which
inheritance
209
studies
biological
210
211
function
to
maintain
social
order
and
equilibrium.
Structural
linguistics:
branch
of
linguistic
212
213
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