Applied Anthropology In Transition Analysis
Question #1
I think the most important idea in John Bennett’s article “Applied Anthropology in Transition” is that the study of Anthropology should adaptable. As Bennett points out Anthropology as a discipline has been slow to change in the past, but now that culture is undergoing rapid evolution, Anthropological methods are changing as well. This change in Anthropology is revolutionary, and Bennett’s inside point of view is very helpful.
Question #2
Of the six different forms of engagement described in “Engaged Anthropology:Diversity and Dilemmas” I am most comfortable with would be “Teaching and Public Education.” I enjoy learning and teaching in a classroom environment. I believe that education can be the answer to most issues and I
have seen the results of an effective lesson can have from both sides of the desk. A classroom environment is a great place to discuss and shed light on sensitive issues like societal and environmental issues. There is opportunity to discuss the formal, empirical side of the issues as well as the social context.
Question #3 Ethnocentrism is judging another culture’s practices and beliefs through the lens of your own. I think that ethnocentrism sprouts from ignorance, if people don’t understand a way of thinking outside of their own culture they are less likely to view culture with relativity. They will see it as alien and lesser than their own. I would say that one of my biggest ethnocentric views would be marrying early. When I see people who marry young I automatically assume that the couple have been deprived of something like higher education or being an independent individual. That they had to get married and it wasn't what they really wanted to do. I also assume that people who work in the sex industry are victims in one way or another. I couldn’t think of why these men and women would want to work in such dangerous and violent environment. I think that people who have kids early in life had them on accident and that people who are very religious tend to be more ignorant than others.
I think the most important idea in John Bennett’s article “Applied Anthropology in Transition” is that the study of Anthropology should adaptable. As Bennett points out Anthropology as a discipline has been slow to change in the past, but now that culture is undergoing rapid evolution, Anthropological methods are changing as well. This change in Anthropology is revolutionary, and Bennett’s inside point of view is very helpful.
Question #2
Of the six different forms of engagement described in “Engaged Anthropology:Diversity and Dilemmas” I am most comfortable with would be “Teaching and Public Education.” I enjoy learning and teaching in a classroom environment. I believe that education can be the answer to most issues and I
have seen the results of an effective lesson can have from both sides of the desk. A classroom environment is a great place to discuss and shed light on sensitive issues like societal and environmental issues. There is opportunity to discuss the formal, empirical side of the issues as well as the social context.
Question #3 Ethnocentrism is judging another culture’s practices and beliefs through the lens of your own. I think that ethnocentrism sprouts from ignorance, if people don’t understand a way of thinking outside of their own culture they are less likely to view culture with relativity. They will see it as alien and lesser than their own. I would say that one of my biggest ethnocentric views would be marrying early. When I see people who marry young I automatically assume that the couple have been deprived of something like higher education or being an independent individual. That they had to get married and it wasn't what they really wanted to do. I also assume that people who work in the sex industry are victims in one way or another. I couldn’t think of why these men and women would want to work in such dangerous and violent environment. I think that people who have kids early in life had them on accident and that people who are very religious tend to be more ignorant than others.