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What is Anthropology?
Anthropology
Recap: What is Anthropology?
 Anthropology is the study of humans
through time- from past to present
 Anthropology looks at how things have
changed from one time to the other
Why Study Anthropology?

To promote understanding of each other and learn
about the diverse cultures that are present

It makes people more aware of differences so that
they are not afraid of it!
Examples of career opportunities
 Anthropologist
 Program Analyst
for immigration policies, international
development, environmental protection, cultural heritage
and education programs, etc.
 Public Policy Adviser
 International Development Officer
 Consultant
 Academic Researcher
 Researcher for media productions, organizational
publications, etc.
 Community development adviser
 Immigration Officer
Anthropology and Cultural Norms
A
cultural norm are acceptable
expectations that are set and passed
down in a group/family or society
 It is the “normal” as defined by a group
 Deviation or disobedience of the norm =
isolation or sanction (punishment)
Let’s take a look at
Anthropology in Action
 Anthropology
can look at how things that
were once “normal” in society has
changed over time

Example 1: Gender Norms
 How
have “acting” male or female changed
over time


Why?
Marriage customs (when traditional and
Canadian customs mix)
 The
Why and the How
Common Cultural Norms



Gender as we discussed is a cultural
norm
We are taught acceptable
behaviour depending on being a
boy or a girl
Or biological parts determine in some
cultures and societies how we will be
treated and unfortunately defines our
destiny 

Women as burdens/Men =
economic gain
Anthropology and Social Change
 Major
area of study: how change comes to
cultural groups

Internal factors
 Invention

 new product or idea
External factors
 Diffusion
 spread of a cultural idea through social
contact (migration, war)
 Acculturation process of contact, exposure and
exchange of ideas = adaptation in both groups
Imagine a time when…
Vs.
To….