Essays and Research Papers on Anthropology

A 5 page paper discussing The methods that have been developed over the years have been tested in the field, and they have been subject to assessment by accepted standards of empirical research. They have been found to be valuable in providing insight, but researchers still must constantly guard against unwittingly introducing their own ...

A 5 page essay that examines three books: Wait Till Next Year by D.K. Goodwin; M. Butterfly by D.H. Hwang and The Emperor's Giraffe by S.M. Wilson. The writer looks at each book and how it expresses the dichotomies between illusion and reality and how these two elements are frequently socially intertwined. No additional sources ...

This 5 page paper takes a look at tourism and how politics and other factors affect what tourists see. Several examples are provided and an anthropological view is taken. Bibliography lists 12 sources.

This 5 page paper makes the argument that the Aztec codices were more than mere language and not totally classifiable as art. Therefore, this paper concludes that the Aztec codices were both language and art. Examples, quotes from anthropolgical experts, and analogies offered. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

An 8 page research paper that examines various theoretical perspectives in anthropology. Views summarized include those of Roy A. Rappaport, Claude Levi-Strauss, and Clifford Geertz, among others. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at Lieber's "More Than a Living: Fishing and the Social Order on a Polynesian Atoll " and evaluates social systems as contained in the work. Talcott Parsons' input on systems is duly noted. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page opinion paper answering the question, “Does progress make civilizations more civilized?” The paper discusses the civilization of the ancient Greeks and Aristotle’s belief that the highest form of existence is in leading the contemplative life. It compares the Greeks some of their neighbors, and discusses the advanced civilization of the ...

This 5 page paper looks at works on the Yanomami, one called Yanomamo by Chagnon and another by Tierney entitled Darkness in El Dorado: How Scientists and Journalists Devastated the Amazon. Tierney charges that well known anthropologist Chagnon had created a false image of the Yanomami and also devastated the tribe. Some quotes are ...

A 5 page analysis and review of Marvin Harris' Our Kind, a book which continues his series of well-written, informative texts, which outline his theories of cultural materialism, in a manner that makes his ideas accessible to the non-scientific, general reading public. According to Dr. Harris, cultural materialism is an approach to understanding human social ...

A 10 page overview of the cultures of these peoples. Presents a discussion largely based on Richard Lee’s “The Dobe Ju/’hoansi” and Marjorie Shostak’s “Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung Woman” regarding traditional subsistence patterns, spiritual beliefs, and gender relationships. Notes the factors which are leading to a change in ...

A 10 page overview of the details revealed by the archaeological record about early agriculture and animal husbandry. This paper emphasizes that the archaeological record is sometimes a matter of contention in the way in which it is interpreted. The “Neolithic Revolution” proposed by some, for example, is believed by others to have not ...

A 5 page overview of the book by Martha C. Ward. This book provides not only insight to the people of the island on which Ward is stationed but also into the mindset and thinking of the author herself. This paper contends, however, that this book is a window into the lives and ...

A 7 page essay that compares Robin Kelly's Yo Mama's Disfunktional (1998) and Anastasia M. Shkilnyk's A Poison Stronger than Love, the Destruction of an Ojibwa Community (1985). The writer argues that the perspective of these authors on the topic of dysfunction is basically the same despite the differences in their subject matter. No ...

This 5 page paper is a review of this documentary film. This paper discusses the need for anthropological accuracy as well as creative ability.

An 8 page discussion of the traditional use of hallucinogenic drugs to bring traditional cultures in contact with their spirit guides and to heighten awareness of past lives and reincarnation. This paper presents the contention that, outside of the traditional framework which spawned such use, hallucinogenic drugs are useless in meeting this goal and ...

This is a 5 page paper discussing the differences and limitations in approaches to the study of cultures in anthropology using research theories by Renato Rosaldo and Nancy Scheper-Hughes. Rosaldo’s approach based on cultural citizenship allows him to study cultures and their groups but is somewhat subjective while Scheper-Hughes’ sociocentric concept of self relies heavily ...

This is a 5 page paper comparing the theories of national culture and integrative revolution as discussed in Fanon’s “The Wretched of the Earth” and Geertz’s “The Interpretation of Cultures”. Although critics often cite that the two theorists have contrasting viewpoints, there are several areas where their theories appear to intersect. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the cultural variations which exists between these two cultures in regard to dating and marriage. This paper analyzes the concept of family initiated or arranged marriages, noting that this was common in both the U.S. and Turkey during earlier years in history. The practice has practically died out ...

5 pages in length. Renato Rosaldo and Nancy Scheper-Hughes have worked diligently in their own literal and anthropological right to help mankind understand its inherent cultural diversity. Utilizing the combined efforts of each individual's perspective, the student gains a significantly better understanding of why there is not one singular global culture, as well ...

This 5 page paper deals with the overwhelming stereotypes that still persist toward the British and Germans in the American Media and broadcast shows, as well as film. Examples given, quotes cited. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 25 page paper. Linguists have predicted that more than half, as many as 90 percent of the 6,000 languages being used today will be extinct by 2050. Languages are becoming extinct at far greater ratios than are mammals and birds. The effect is that there are also cultures that die when the language dies ...

This is a 6 page paper discussing the concepts of race, ethnicity, culture, and multiculturalism. Also discussed are the integration and assimilation approaches to race relations. In regards to positive race relation policies it has been found that the multicultural and integrative concepts are the most widely accepted as they provide equal opportunities for all ...

This paper examines the conflict between archeological excavations and the rituals and wishes of Native Americans who believe that the bones of their ancestors should not be disturbed. Bibliopgraphy lists 3 souces.

A 6 page research paper that offers an overall view, by topic, that summarizes Mead's data from this groundbreaking anthropological research conduced in the 1920s. No additional sources cited.

This is an 8 page paper discussing ethnic humor and ethnic identity. Traditional ethnic identity can be defined by language, culture, religion, and race, but more and more researchers are finding that ethnic humor is becoming a part of the ethnic identity especially in those who have left their homes to live within another culture ...