Essays and Research Papers on Anthropology

A 6 page discussion of the growing demand that museums return items in their collection to the nations and cultural groups presenting claim to them. The author reviews such diverse cases as the British Museum's possession of the Elgin Marbles from the Greek Parthenon and the Boston Museum's collection of Mayan grave goods. ...

This 4 page paper examines key issues in assimilation and adaptation for groups in these regions. Language is discussed as a problem. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 6 page paper examples the varying ways in which popular culture has impacted society in America and globally. Quotes cited from texts. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the distinctions which exist between cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. The author uses examples from the Islamic/Western conflict and examples from research in child development (particularly the work of Piaget and Spelke) to illustrate the differences. Bibliography lists 12 sources.

A 5 page paper which evaluates, describes and responds to the text and its depiction of the culture of the South Sea Islands. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares 3 anthropology texts. The writer agues that there are distinctly individual differences between the perspectives of Shostak (1981) in her ethnography of a !Kung woman and that of Malinowski (1961), whose principal interest in studying South Pacific natives is their economics. However, at the heart of ...

A 10 page overview of the numerous stereotypes we employ when we consider middle aged men. This paper approaches middle aged behavior from both a physiological and a societal standpoint to contend that no one description can be provided. Explored are the concepts of mid life crisis and the Peter Pan Syndrome. Bibliography ...

A 4 page discussion of the bias which is characteristic of much of anthropological research. While some scientists contend that research can be designed and conducted in such a manner that one’s values, or the values of the subject, do not interfere with the findings; others contend that such research is an impossibility, that ...

A 6 page discussion of the evolutionary nature of myth. The author reviews the contentions presented in Roland Barthes' "Myth Today" (an essay published in H.D. Tallack's Critical Theory: A Reader) and ties these contentions in with observations from historic European interactions with the traditional world and with contemporary interactions between traditional cultures and ...

This 3 page paper compares and contrasts the creation myths of Australia and Egypt. Examples given. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page discussion of the pressure to assimilate waged against Native Americans and Hispanics. The author emphasizes that although considerable assimilation has occurred, the manner in which an individual retains and expresses his or her fascinatingly diverse culture varies almost as much as the individuals. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 10 page paper examines the historical approach to performance studies and illustrates how the emergence of a multi-disciplinary approach has benefitted this research. Furthermore, the benefits of such an approach are discussed and outlined, as major contributors to this philosophy are outlined throughout the research. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 6 page paper discusses the theories and possibilities with the discovery of homo rudolfensis. Analysis of phylogeny, habits, and other attributes discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 6 page discussion of color. The author examines color and our perception of it from both a scientific and a cultural standpoint. A discussion is included on how the light spectrum relates to color and how techniques such as infrared photography can be used to more carefully explore color. Details ...

A 7 page exploration of Rachels beliefs in regard to what determines certain cultural practices and whether or not there are inherent rights and wrongs in those practices. More specifically, Rachels explores the question of whether morality is a phenomena that varies according to culture, whether different cultures do in fact operate under different moral codes. ...

A 5 page analysis of the Vedic Hymn of Creation. The author, using the information found in the book of Genesis as a contrast, contends that from a Western perspective at least the Hymn tells us nothing about the creation other than telling us that there was one. It provides nothing regarding the specifics of ...

A ten page paper which looks at nomadism in various regions, and the impact which sedentarisation policies have had on the nomadic way of life, especially in respect of environmental and economic issues. The writer concludes that whereas voluntary sedentarisation has on the whole been successful, forced settlement has had a negative impact on both ...

A 4 page overview of interpretive anthropology. Using the work of Clifford Geertz as an example, the author emphasizes the importance of interpretive anthropology while contrasting it with more quantitative approaches. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

An 8 page discussion of the cultural influences on mediation style. Too often it seems that we try to impose the Western Model of Mediation on the rest of the world. In reality, the Western Model has many flaws when used in a cross cultural or non-Western setting. Effective mediation tactics must ...

A 16 page overview of the underlying reasons for the discrimination and injustices faced by Australia's aborigine population. These injustices permeate practically every aspect of aborigine life, aspects ranging from the need to secure proper medical care to the need to pursue an education. From the European peoples first interaction with the aboriginals, to their placement of ...

A 6 page overview of this technological marvel. The author of this paper describes these canoes and notes their importance to Pacific Island culture. Its construction was a community affair, one involving many coordinated man hours. It pulled the people together and it played a large role in the way they interacted ...

This 10 page paper discusses the culture of the Hopi people. Subsections include religion, art, gender, societal structure, children, modern Hopi. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 3 page paper compares and contrast the ethnological differences of Frank Boas and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper which discusses the life during the Paleolithic and the Neolithic Eras. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines practices, or rituals, associated with pilgrimages as seen in “The Hold Life Has: Coca and Cultural Identity in an Andean Community” by Catherine J. Allen. No additional sources cited.