Anthropology 2 Final

Tribe (level of political organization)

A group that comprises several bands or lineage groups occupying a distinct territory. Associated with horticultural and pastoral societies. Populations are larger and kin ties are slightly diminished. Social control more necessary to settle disputes. Political leaders in the form of headman (one recognized for leadership skills).

Sexual Dominance

The superior position of one sex over the other.

Nonunilineal Descent

The system of tracing descent through more than one line. Two types: Bilateral (tracing through both parents equally), and Double Descent (two separate lines of descent that are both recognized but distinguished by different rights or privileges).

Marital Exchange

The transfer of goods or services that accompany a marriage. Types include 1) Bride wealth, 2) Bride service, 3) Dowry, 4) Gift exchange.

Two Results of Acculturation

1) Ethnocide- The systematic destruction of a traditional way of life (culture, not people). 2) Genocide- The systematic extermination of a people.

Four Mechanisms of Culture Change

1) Innovation, 2) Diffusion, 3) Culture Loss, 4)Acculturation (involves an element of force).

State (level of political organization)

A centralized unit encompassing many communities, a bureaucratic structure and leaders possessing coercive powers. States are socially stratified into large distinct classes in terms of wealth, power and prestige. Found in large scale agricultural and industrial societies. Leadership can be either ascribed (king) or achieved (president). Political organization tied to population levels and subsistence strategies.

Dowry

A custom by which the family of the bride is required to transfer a portion of their own wealth to their daughter and her husband.

Gift Exchange

A custom in which relatives of both bride and groom exchange gifts of approximately equal value with one another.

Bride Service

A custom whereby a husband is required to spend a period of time working for the family of his bride.

Marriage defined

A socially sanctioned sexual and economic union between two or more members of usually the opposite sex, that regulates intercourse and provides for reproduction.

Class Societies

A society in a hierarchy of statuses (classes) based upon ownership and control of resources, power and prestige. Class refers to a category of persons who have about the same opportunity to obtain economic resources, power and prestige. There are no firm rules prohibiting interaction between classes. Theoretically class membership is based on achieved as well as ascribed (born to) characteristics.

Caste

A society organized with social statuses that are determined by birth and social mobility is nonexistent. Different levels don't mix/mingle. Contact or relations between people of different castes governed by explicit laws and prohibitions.

Egalitarian

A society where all people have equal access to resources, power and prestige.

Chiefdom (level of political organization)

A unit of permanently allied tribes and villages under one recognized leader. Chiefs rule over chiefdom's and are generally born into their position. Two societal levels 1) The chiefly class, 2) the rest of the population (commoners). Chiefs are full time political leaders and have authority in their community. They play a role in redistribution but often save the best resources for themselves.

Bride Wealth

Also known as bride price. A custom that requires a man and his relatives to transfer goods to the relatives of the bride. The goods will be that which is most highly valued in the society.

Four Levels of Political Organization

Band, Tribe, Chiefdom, and State.

Neolocal

Bride and groom live apart from both families (5%).

Ambilocal

Bride and groom live with or near either family (7%).

Matrilocal

Bride and groom live with or near family of the bride (15%).

Patrilocal

Bride and groom live with or near the family of the groom (69%).

Avunculocal

Bride and groom live with or near the grooms mothers brother (4%).

Band (level of political organization)

Organization of hunting and gathering groups, with minimal leadership and flexible membership. Populations very low. Egalitarian, so there are no formal political leaders. Some individuals may have earned prestige for extraordinary skills. Very little need for social control (don't see a lot of stealing, trouble).

Gender Stereotypes

Oversimplified but strongly held idea about the characteristics of males and females.

Headman (leader in Tribe level)

Recognized for leadership skills but not a full time leader. Must still complete duties (gardening/herding). Villages may have several headman, often times a leader of a kin group or family. Lead only through influence (ability to achieve a desired end by exerting social or moral pressure). Can persuade but not force others. Works harder and sacrifices more than others in group.

Power

Refers to the capacity to take action in the face of resistance, through force if necessary.

Gender

Refers to the cultural construction of male and female characteristics.

Social Organization

Relationship between groups, statuses, and division of labor that structure the interaction of people within a society.

Ascribed Status

Social position that one holds solely on the basis of the group into which they are born.

Social Stratification

Societies where there is unequal access to resources, power and prestige. Two types: Caste and Class Societies.

Authority

The ability to take action based on achieved or ascribed powers.

Gender Roles

The behaviors, tasks, and activities that a culture assigns to the sexes.

Sex

The biological distinctions between male and females.

Incest Taboo

The one thing that does not vary between cultures. Rules that prohibit mating between members of the nuclear family.

Politics

The way in which power is achieved and used to create and implement public goals.