Anthropologists Are Interested In Framing Broad Hypotheses ✓ Solved

Anthropologists Are Interested In Framing Broad Hypotheses

Anthropologists are interested in framing broad hypotheses about human behavior. In order to do this, it is imperative to use examples from multiple cultures to ensure that their conclusions are not grounded in a single case. In this assignment, you will be taking on the role of an ethnologist, using multiple ethnographic accounts to study human behavior and culture. Identify two to three societies to compare, such as an African society (for example, Ethiopian, Liberian, etc.), Indian, Chinese, Korean, or one of the many Native American groups (for example, the Cherokee, the Inuit, etc.). Choose one aspect of human culture discussed in the course: Domestic life and kinship Subsistence and economy Religion Culture change.

Using the module readings, Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, write a research paper to include the following: Describe the background information of each of the societies you have chosen. You need not analyze this background information, only provide details regarding these societies. Analyze the aspect of human culture you selected for each of the societies. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the societies in relation to the topic you chose—for example, standard of living, education, or employment opportunities. Summarize and address human behavior in relation to your topic and based on your examples. Address the realities of life for the cultures you have examined. Examine some of the social problems and public policy issues that become apparent. Your paper should have a title page as well as an introduction section. This introduction section should include the societies you selected as well as the human culture aspect you will be discussing and why it is relevant to anthropology. As an anthropologist, use relevant anthropological terms in your analysis. Support your statements with examples and scholarly references.

Write a 4–6-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: Comparative Analysis of Domestic Life and Kinship in Ethiopian and Cherokee Societies

Introduction

Anthropology offers a profound insight into human cultures by comparing various societies. This paper will examine the domestic life and kinship structures within two distinct cultures: the Ethiopian society and the Cherokee nation. The choice of these societies is significant as both cultures exhibit unique structures and practices related to kinship and domestic life, providing a basis for understanding the broader implications of human behavior in different cultural contexts.

Background Information

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups, including the Amhara, Oromo, and Tigray. The country has a complex history influenced by various civilizations, leading to a unique blend of traditions, languages, and religions. Ethiopians primarily engage in agriculture, and their kinship systems are heavily influenced by both economic needs and cultural values.

The Cherokee Nation, originally from the southeastern United States, possesses a rich historical narrative, intertwining aspects of colonization and adaptation. The Cherokee people have a matrilineal kinship system that affects inheritance and family structures significantly. They maintain traditions that emphasize community and familial roles, with a focus on collective responsibility and cultural preservation.

Analysis of Domestic Life and Kinship

Domestic life in Ethiopian society often revolves around agricultural practices. Families usually work collectively in fields, and kinship ties are crucial for economic support. The family unit is generally extended, including grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes aunts and uncles living in close proximity. This arrangement facilitates shared responsibilities and resource pooling, ultimately enhancing the family's economic stability.

In contrast, Cherokee domestic life exhibits the importance of matrilineality, where lineage and inheritance pass through the mother. Cherokee women traditionally wield significant influence within the household, making primary decisions regarding resource management and child-rearing. The familial structure can often be nuclear or extended, depending on the context, yet the cultural emphasis remains on the mother's family lineage.

The differences in these societies manifest in their approaches to kinship. While Ethiopian families emphasize collectivism through extended family ties, Cherokee families highlight the matrilineal descent, impacting social roles and inheritance patterns. Nevertheless, both cultures demonstrate resilience and adaptation in their kinship structures to navigate social and economic challenges.

Comparison of Similarities and Differences

One notable similarity between Ethiopian and Cherokee societies is the central role of family in economic activities. In Ethiopia, families often work together to cultivate crops, whereas, in Cherokee culture, the family unit cooperates in various community activities, such as hunting and gathering. This collaborative effort reinforces social ties and promotes resilience against external economic pressures.

However, disparities arise in kinship practices. Ethiopian society typically follows a patrilineal framework, where lineage is traced through the father's side. In contrast, the Cherokee nation operates under a matrilineal system, reflecting distinct cultural norms regarding gender roles and inheritance. Consequently, these different kinship matrices influence household dynamics and individual agency within each culture.

Human Behavior in Relation to Domestic Life and Kinship

The implications of these kinship structures on human behavior are profound. In Ethiopian culture, the extended family model fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, which is crucial for survival in agrarian contexts. This communal approach often leads to well-defined social roles, with expectations placed on members to contribute to familial obligations.

Conversely, the Cherokee emphasis on matrilineal kinship empowers women within their society. Women are often seen as heads of households and decision-makers, impacting the cultural narrative that valorizes their role in both family and community. This empowerment has implications for the social status of women and the community's response to public policy issues, such as education and resource allocation.

Social Problems and Public Policy Issues

Both societies face various social issues linked to modernization and cultural preservation. Ethiopian communities struggle with urbanization, leading to shifts in family structures and potential erosion of traditional roles. Additionally, public policies regarding land rights and agricultural support are critical concerns for sustaining their kinship-based economies.

On the other hand, the Cherokee Nation confronts challenges in safeguarding its cultural heritage amidst globalization. Public policy issues encompass education access, health care resources, and economic development initiatives aimed at preserving their traditions while adapting to contemporary society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparative analysis of Ethiopian and Cherokee societies illustrates the profound impact of domestic life and kinship structures on human behavior. By examining these cultural dimensions, we gain insights into the complexities and nuances of human existence across different societies. Understanding the similarities and differences within kinship practices not only enriches our anthropological knowledge but also offers pathways to address contemporary social problems facing these cultures.

References

• Bauman, Z. (2000). Liquid Modernity. Polity Press.
• Goode, W. J. (1960). The Family. Prentice-Hall.
• Harris, M. (1977). Cannibals and Kings: The Origins of Cultures. Random House.
• Human Rights Watch. (2021). Ethiopia: Events of 2020. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/ethiopia
• National Congress of American Indians. (2020). Policy Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.ncai.org/policy-research-center
• Smith, T. (1992). The Cherokee Nation: 1838-1867. Cherokee Nation Press.
• Starkweather, K. E. (2017). Kinship and Social Structure. Sociology Compass, 11(4).
• United Nations Development Programme. (2020). Human Development Report 2020. Retrieved from http://hdr.undp.org/en/indicators/137506
• White, L. A. (1959). The Science of Culture: A Source Book in Anthropology. New York: Farrar, Straus and Cudahy.
• Wolf, E. R. (1982). Europe and the People Without History. University of California Press.