Anthropological Perspective

Definition

The anthropological perspective is a viewpoint that emphasizes understanding human behavior, culture, and social structures through the lens of anthropology. It focuses on how cultural practices and societal norms shape individual and collective identities, recognizing the importance of context in human interactions. This perspective is integral to performance studies as it allows for the exploration of how performances reflect and influence cultural meanings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The anthropological perspective encourages an in-depth analysis of performances as cultural expressions that reveal underlying social norms and values.
2. It considers both emic (insider) and etic (outsider) viewpoints to create a holistic understanding of cultural phenomena.
3. This perspective often highlights the role of ritual and tradition in performance, showcasing how they can convey community identity and continuity.
4. Anthropologists study various forms of performance, including theater, dance, and ritual, to see how they function within specific cultural contexts.
5. Using the anthropological perspective allows researchers to identify power dynamics and cultural conflicts present in different performance practices.

Review Questions

• How does the anthropological perspective enhance our understanding of cultural performances?
  • The anthropological perspective enhances our understanding of cultural performances by examining them as reflections of societal values and norms. It allows researchers to analyze the context in which performances occur, considering factors such as history, tradition, and community identity. By focusing on both insider and outsider views, this perspective uncovers deeper meanings behind performances and how they contribute to shaping cultural narratives.
• Discuss the significance of ethnography in applying an anthropological perspective to performance studies.
  • Ethnography is significant in applying an anthropological perspective because it provides a method for researchers to engage directly with communities and observe performances in their natural settings. Through immersive observation, ethnographers can capture the nuances of cultural practices and interactions, leading to a richer understanding of how performances function within specific social contexts. This hands-on approach helps highlight the lived experiences of individuals involved in performance, bridging gaps between theory and practice.
• Evaluate the impact of symbolic interactionism within the framework of the anthropological perspective in performance studies.
  • Symbolic interactionism significantly impacts the anthropological perspective by focusing on the meanings individuals create through their interactions during performances. This approach emphasizes how performances are not just scripted events but dynamic exchanges that reflect changing social realities. By integrating symbolic interactionism with an anthropological lens, researchers can better understand how performers negotiate identity, power dynamics, and cultural narratives within their work, leading to a more comprehensive view of performance as a site of meaning-making.

Related terms

Cultural Relativism: The principle of understanding and evaluating cultural practices based on their own context rather than judging them by the standards of another culture.

Ethnography: A qualitative research method in anthropology where researchers immerse themselves in a community to observe and document cultural practices and social interactions.

Symbolic Interactionism: A sociological framework that focuses on the meanings individuals derive from social interactions, emphasizing how these meanings shape human behavior.