Anthropology is a diverse field with multiple subfields. The British and American schools of anthropology are two of the most prominent schools. The British school of anthropology emerged in the early 20th century in Britain and is also known as social anthropology. The American school of anthropology emerged in the mid-20th century in the United States and is also known as cultural anthropology. Both schools have their own perspectives, methodologies, and research areas.
The British School of Anthropology:
The British school of anthropology, also known as social anthropology, is characterized by its focus on ethnography and participant observation. Ethnography involves living among a community of people and observing their behaviors, practices, and beliefs. Participant observation involves actively participating in the community’s activities while observing them. This method allows anthropologists to gain a deep understanding of a culture and its practices.
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The British school of anthropology has had a significant influence on the development of social theory. Bronislaw Malinowski, E.E. Evans-Pritchard, and Clifford Geertz are some of the key figures in this school. Malinowski is famous for his work on the Trobriand Islanders of Melanesia, where he developed the concept of functionalism. Functionalism posits that cultures are composed of interconnected parts that function together to meet the basic needs of individuals in the society.
Evans-Pritchard, on the other hand, focused on the Nuer people of Sudan and developed the concept of structural-functionalism. This concept posits that cultures have structures that are functional and maintain social order. Geertz, a prominent figure in symbolic anthropology, focused on the interpretation of symbols and how they shape culture. He argued that cultural meaning is constructed through symbols and that anthropologists need to interpret these symbols to understand the culture.
The American School of Anthropology:
The American school of anthropology, also known as cultural anthropology, emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by its focus on culture as a system of meaning and symbols. Cultural anthropologists focus on how individuals create meaning and interpret symbols in their daily lives. The American school is also known for its use of ethnographic methods, but it has a more interpretive approach than the British school.
Franz Boas, Margaret Mead, and Clifford Geertz are some of the key figures in the American school of anthropology. Boas is considered the father of American anthropology and is known for his emphasis on cultural relativism. He argued that cultures should be studied in their own terms and not compared to other cultures. Mead, a student of Boas, is famous for her work on the Samoan culture and how gender roles are constructed. She argued that gender roles are not biologically determined but are culturally constructed.
Geertz, as mentioned earlier, is a prominent figure in the American school and is known for his work on symbols and interpretation. He developed the concept of thick description, which involves detailed observation and interpretation of a culture’s symbols and meanings. This approach allows anthropologists to gain a deep understanding of a culture and its practices.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both the British and American schools of anthropology have distinct perspectives, methodologies, and research areas. The British school is known for its focus on ethnography and participant observation and has had a significant influence on the development of social theory. The American school, on the other hand, is known for its emphasis on culture as a system of meaning and symbols and has a more interpretive approach. Both schools have contributed significantly to our understanding of human societies, cultures, and behaviors.