O que é ANTROPOLOGIA? - Antropológica

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides an accessible introduction to the field of anthropology, breaking down its key concepts and branches. Anthropology, which translates to the study of humanity, includes diverse subfields such as biological, cultural, and archaeological anthropology. The speaker touches on important topics like ethnography, the method of fieldwork, and its evolution as a discipline. They also highlight how anthropology has expanded beyond traditional studies of 'exotic' cultures to include urban populations and contemporary issues. The video encourages viewers to explore anthropology through formal education or personal interest.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anthropology is the study of humanity, derived from the Greek words 'anthropo' (human) and 'logy' (study).
• 😀 Anthropology is divided into two main branches: biological (or physical) anthropology and cultural anthropology.
• 😀 The four main types of anthropology in the American context are cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology.
• 😀 Anthropology focuses on understanding human beings, their behavior, culture, language, and history, whether in rural, urban, or even academic settings.
• 😀 A degree in Social Sciences in Brazil can lead to specialization in anthropology, or one can pursue a direct degree in anthropology.
• 😀 Key fields of study within anthropology include the anthropology of art, music, politics, law, and even audiovisual anthropology.
• 😀 The father of modern anthropology, Bronislaw Malinowski, is known for his pioneering ethnographic work in the Pacific islands, which revolutionized the study of anthropology.
• 😀 Ethnography is a core method in anthropology, involving long-term fieldwork and direct interaction with the group being studied, often referred to as 'the other'.
• 😀 Ethnography can involve working with diverse populations, including indigenous communities, urban groups, or marginalized populations, in settings ranging from rural villages to cities.
• 😀 Anthropology evolved from the 17th century, initially relying on travelers' accounts, and only later in the 18th century gained recognition as a scientific discipline.
• 😀 The history of anthropology includes various theoretical schools, such as evolutionism, diffusionism, structuralism, and postmodernism, which all aim to interpret human societies and cultures in different ways.

Q & A

What is the literal translation of the word 'Anthropology'?

The word 'Anthropology' can be divided into two parts: 'anthropo', meaning 'man', and 'logia', meaning 'study'. Therefore, the literal translation is 'study of man' or 'study of humanity'.

What are the two main branches of anthropology in the classical division?

In the classical division, anthropology is divided into two main branches: biological or physical anthropology, and cultural anthropology.

What are the four subfields of anthropology in the North American division?

In the North American division, anthropology is divided into four subfields: cultural anthropology, linguistics, biological or physical anthropology, and archaeology.

What are the three main areas of study in the Social Sciences degree in Brazil?

In Brazil, the degree in Social Sciences covers three main areas of study: sociology, political science, and anthropology.

What is ethnography and how is it related to anthropology?

Ethnography is a research method in anthropology that involves the detailed and systematic study of a culture or group through direct interaction and participant observation. It was introduced as a research methodology by Bronislaw Malinowski.

What was the significant contribution of Bronislaw Malinowski to anthropology?

Bronislaw Malinowski is considered one of the founding figures of modern anthropology. His work 'Argonauts of the Western Pacific' introduced the ethnographic method, which emphasizes direct fieldwork and participant observation.

How long do anthropologists typically engage in fieldwork during ethnographic studies?

Anthropologists often engage in fieldwork for extended periods, sometimes lasting over a year, to establish deep, long-term contact with the group they are studying.

How has the focus of anthropological research shifted over time?

Anthropology's focus has evolved over time, from studying 'exotic' and distant cultures in the past to also studying urban populations and groups that are more similar to the researchers, such as LGBTQ communities, homeless people, or incarcerated individuals.

What was the state of anthropological knowledge before the 17th century?

Before the 17th century, anthropological knowledge was primarily found in the accounts of travelers, missionaries, and merchants, who described new and unfamiliar peoples they encountered during their travels.

What are some of the theoretical approaches within anthropology?

Within anthropology, there are several theoretical approaches, including evolutionary anthropology, diffusionism, functionalism, structuralism, culturalism, and interpretive anthropology. Each of these approaches offers different methods for analyzing anthropological data.