Anthropology Lecture note PDF

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Ministry of Science an and d Higher Education

_____ __________ _____ ____________ _______ __________ ___

Anthropology

October 2019 Addis Ababa

Ministry of Science and Higher Education

Module Title

Anthropology

Course code

Anth 1012

Prepared By

Hawassa University (HU) and Addis Ababa University (AAU)

Module Writers

Elias Alemu (PhD, HU) Dagne Shibiru (PhD, HU) Getaneh Mehari (PhD, AAU)

Module reviewer

Department of Social Anthropology, Addis Ababa University

i

Anthropology Anth 1012 Credit Hours: 3

ii

Abbreviations and Acronyms FGM/C:

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

IK:

Indigenous Knowledge

IKS:

Indigenous Knowledge System

MoSHE:

Ministry of Science and Higher Education

iii

Module Introduction: Dear Learner! Welcome to this course, Anth1012. The course is expected to acquaint

you

with

essential

concepts,

perspectives,

and

explanations

of

anthropology covering a wide array of questions revolving around our very existence. It covers issues such as: What makes human beings similar to each other? How do we differ from one another? What do anthropologists mean when they talk about diversity, multiculturalism, marginalization, inclusion and exclusion? The course will enable learners grasp the different ways of being human by dealing with themes such as culture, kinship, marriage, cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, humanity, human origins, race, ethnicity, ethnic relations, ethnic boundaries, marginalization, minorities, local systems of governance, legal pluralism, indigenous knowledge systems, and indigenous practices and development. Contents of the module: In addition to the above mentioned themes, this module comprises the following contents: scope of anthropology, braches of anthropology, unique features of anthropology, and research methods in anthropology. Delivery Methods: The instructor or course facilitator is recommended to make use of different active learning methods including: brainstorming, question and answer, group discussion, buzz-group, cross-over, home-works, reading assignments, peer teaching, and active lecturing. Modes of Assessment: To assess the progress of student, the instructor/course facilitator is expected to employ a continuous assessment technique in the form of quizzes, group and individual assignments, and final exam. The purpose of using various assessment techniques is to improve the process of students‘ learning. Module Learning Competencies: Up on the successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Z Develop an understanding of the nature of anthropology and its broader scope in making sense of humanity in a global perspective; Z Understand the cultural and biological diversity of humanity and unity in diversity across the world and in Ethiopia; Z Analyze the problems of ethnocentrism against the backdrop of cultural relativism;

iv

Z Realize the socially constructed nature of identities and social categories such as gender, race, and ethnicity; Z Explore the various peoples and cultures of Ethiopia; Z Appreciate the social, cultural, political, religious and economic lives of different ethno-linguistic and cultural groups of Ethiopia; Z Understand different forms of marginalization and develop skills of inclusiveness; Z Appreciate the customary systems of governance and conflict resolution institutions of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia; Z Explain the role of values, norms and cultural practices in maintaining society together; Z Recognize the culture area of peoples of Ethiopia and the forms of interaction developed over time among themselves; and Z Develop broader views and skills to deal with people from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

v

Acknowledgments The writers of this module would like to express their gratitude to committee members at Hawassa University, Drs. Alemante Amera, Hanna Getachew and Mr. Debela Gindola, for their contributions in the process of developing the initial course syllabus and the preparation of this module. The writers‘ appreciation also goes to Dr. Tekalign Ayalew, Head, Department of Social Anthropology, AAU, for his contribution in refining the syllabus. The writers would also like to thank Mr. Alazar Lissanu (Arba Minch University) for his valuable comments and proofreading of the draft module, and all anthropology instructors from Dessie University, Wollega University, Selale University, Gondar University, Jimma University, and Mekelle University. The final draft of the module was reviewed and substantially improved with the efforts of several people. Each chapter of the module was reviewed and edited by staff of the Department of Social Anthropology at Addis Ababa University. The writers appreciate the contributions of the following chapter reviewers: Mr. Temesgen Chibsa, Drs Mamo Hebo, Tekalign Ayalew, Assefa Tolera, Guday Emire, Fekadu Adugna, Kairedin Tezera, and Getachew Sineshaw.

vi

Contents Module Introduction: ........................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................... vi Unit One ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Introducing Anthro Anthropology pology and its Subj Subject ect Matter................................................... 1 __________ ............................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Definition, Scope and Subject Matter of Anthropology .................................................... 2 1.2 Unique Features of Anthropology .......................................................................................... 7 1.3 Misconceptions about Anthropology .................................................................................... 9 1.4 The Relationship between Anthropology and Other Disciplines ................................. 10 1.5 Contributions of Anthropology.............................................................................................. 11 1.6. Unit Summary............................................................................................................................ 13 Unit Two ........................................................................................................................................... 15 Sub-fields of Anth Anthropology ropology ................................................................................................. 15 ______________ ............................................................................................................................... 15 2.1 Archaeological Anthropology ............................................................................................ 17 2.2 Linguistic Anthropology...................................................................................................... 18 2.3 Socio-Cultural Anthropology ............................................................................................. 21 2.4 Physical/Biological Anthropology .................................................................................... 23 2.4.1. Evolutionary and Paleo-anthropological perspectives on human origin .......... 25 2.4.2 Anthropological perspectives on racial types and human physical variation ...................................................................................................................................................... 27 2.4.3 Human Races: The history of racial typing ............................................................. 30 2.4.4 The Grand Illusion: Race, turns out, is arbitrary ................................................... 32 2.4.5. What Anthropologists can say for sure about Human Races? ...................... 33

vii

2.5. Human socio-cultural and biological diversity and similarities: What is to be human? ........................................................................................................................................... 34 The bio-cultural animal ........................................................................................................... 36 1.6. Unit Summary............................................................................................................................ 38 Unit Three........................................................................................................................................ 40 Human Culture and Ties that Connect S Society ociety .......................................................... 40 3.1. Conceptualizing Culture: What Culture is and What Culture isn't .............................. 41 3.2 Characteristic Features of Culture........................................................................................ 42 3.3 Aspects/Elements of Culture.................................................................................................. 45 3.4 Cultural Unity and Variations: Universality, Generality and Particularity of Culture .............................................................................................................................................................. 47 3.5. Evaluating Cultural Differences: Ethnocentrism, Cultural Relativism and Human Rights .................................................................................................................................................. 48 3.6 Culture Change .......................................................................................................................... 51 3.7 Ties That Connect: Marriage, Family and Kinship ........................................................... 53 3.8 Culture areas and culture contact ............................................................................................. 63 3.9 Unit Summary ............................................................................................................................. 64 Unit Four ......................................................................................................................................... 66 Marginalized, Minorities, and Vulnerable Groups..................................................... 66 4.1 Definition of concepts.................................................................................................................. 67 4.2 Gender-based marginalization .................................................................................................. 68 4.3

Marginalized occupational groups ...................................................................................... 69

4.4 Age-based vulnerability .............................................................................................................. 72 4.5. Religious and ethnic minorities................................................................................................. 76 4.6. Human right approaches and inclusiveness: Anthropological perspectives .....................77 4.7. Unit Summary ............................................................................................................................. 78 Unit Five............................................................................................................................................ 80 viii

Inter-Ethnic Relations, Identity and Multicul Multiculturalism turalism in Ethi Ethiopia opia ................... 80 ______________................................................................................................................................... 80 Contents of the Unit: ....................................................................................................................... 81 Unit learning outcomes: ................................................................................................................. 81 5.1 Ethnic Groups and Ethnic Identity........................................................................................ 82 5.2. Ethnicity: Identification and Social Categorization ..................................................... 86 5.3 Conceptualizing Ethnicity –What’s it? ................................................................................. 92 5.4 Theories of Ethnicity: Primordialism, Instrumentalism and Social Constructivism ............................................................................................................................................................ 100 5.4.1. The Primordial Model of Ethnicity .............................................................................. 102 5.4.2. Instrumentalist (Situational) Theory of Ethnicity ................................................... 104 5.4.3. Constructivist Theory of Ethnicity .............................................................................105 5.5 Unit Summary ........................................................................................................................... 106 Unit Six ............................................................................................................................................ 109 Customary and Local Governance Systems and Peace Making ........................ 109 ____________..................................................................................................................................... 109 6.1 Indigenous and local governance....................................................................................... 110 6.2 Intra-ethnic conflict resolution institutions ...................................................................... 113 6.3 Inter-ethnic conflict resolution institutions ...................................................................... 117 6.4 Women‟s role in conflict resolution and peacemaking ................................................. 118 6.5 Legal pluralism: interrelations between customary, religious and state legal systems ............................................................................................................................................ 122 6.6 Unit Summary ........................................................................................................................... 124 Unit Seven ..................................................................................................................................... 127 Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices......................................................... 127 _____________................................................................................................................................... 127 7.1

Definition of concepts....................................................................................................... 128 ix

In this section, you will learn a couple of definitions. First, let us define indigenous knowledge systems.............................................................................................................................................. 128 7.1.1 Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) .................................................................................... 128 7.1.2. Indigenous Knowledge .......................................................................................................... 129 7.2 Significance of indigenous knowledge ............................................................................. 131 7.3. Indigenous knowledge and development ........................................................................ 132 7.4. Preservation, challenges and limitations of IK .............................................................. 135 7.5. The Erosion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems........................................................... 137 7.6. Unit summary .......................................................................................................................... 139

x

Unit One Introducing Anthropology and its Subject Matt Matter er __________

Study Hours: 4 face-to-face hours Dear Learners! Welcome to Unit One. This unit deals with the essence of anthropology. In this unit, you will be introduced to the definition of crucial concepts in anthropology. It also explains the historical development, scope, subject matter, unique features and contributions of anthropology. In due course, students are required to assume active role in class activities and discussions: sharing of experiences, undertaking different debates and arguments and taking home assignments. Contents of the Unit The major topics to be treated in this unit include: Definitions, historical developments, scope, and sub-fields of anthropology. It also addresses topics such as misconceptions about anthropology and the relation of anthropology with other fields of study. Unit learning outcomes 1

Up on the successful completion of this unit, you will be able to: Z define anthropology and explain the concepts in anthropology, Z understand the historical development of anthropology, Z express the scope and subject matter of anthropology, Z internalize the unique features of anthropology, Z get cleared with the misconceptions held about anthropology, Z differentiate anthropology from other disciplines, Z appraise the relevance of anthropology in our life. 1.1 Definition, Scope and Subject Matter of Anthropology Reflect your views on the following questions. Z What do you know about anthropology? How do you define Anthropology? Z How do you conceive the meaning of the term ‗human‘?

1.1.1 Definition and Concepts in Anthropology To begin with its etymology, the term anthropology is a compound of , and

which can be translated as respectively. So, anthropology means ‗reason about

humans‘ or ‗the study or science of humankind or humanity‘. Moreover, man has two important characteristics: biological and cultural. It is very important to understand that the biological and the cultural characteristics are inseparable elements. Culture influences human physical structures and the vise-versa. Hence, if we take it literally, anthropology is the study of humans. In one sense, this is an accurate description to the extent that anthropology raises a wide variety of questions about the human condition. Yet, this literal definition is not particularly illuminating; because a number of other academic disciplines—including sociology, biology, psychology, political science, economics, and history—also study human beings. What is it that distinguishes anthropology from all of these disciplines?

2

Anthropology is the study of people —their origins, their development, and contemporary variations, wherever and whenever they have been found. It is a broad scientific discipline dedicated to the comparative study of humans as a group, from its first appearance on earth to its present stage of development.

Of all the

disciplines that study humans, anthropology is by far the broadest in scope.

Z investigates the strategies for living that are learned and shared by people as members of human social groups; Z examines the characteristics that human beings share as members of one species

) and the diverse ways that people live in different

environments; Z analyses the products of social groups: material objects and non-material creations

Anthropology is an

which

tries to achieve an understanding of culture, society and humanity through detailed studies of community life, supplemented by ...