The British and American schools of anthropology have different historical roots and theoretical orientations. The British school of anthropology emerged in the late 19th century and was primarily concerned with the study of social evolution and cultural history, while the American school of anthropology emerged in the early 20th century and was more focused on cultural relativism and the study of contemporary cultures.

The British school of anthropology was founded by the likes of Edward Burnett Tylor, Lewis Henry Morgan, and James George Frazer. Their work was influenced by Darwinian evolutionary theory, and they sought to understand the origins and development of human societies and cultures.

Discuss the British and American Schools of Anthropology with reference to their key research areas

The British and American schools of anthropology are two major traditions of anthropological thought that have emerged from different historical contexts and theoretical orientations. While the British school of anthropology emerged in the late 19th century and focused on the study of social evolution and cultural history, the American school emerged in the early 20th century and was more focused on cultural relativism and the study of contemporary cultures.

The British school of anthropology was primarily concerned with the study of social evolution and cultural history. It was founded by the likes of Edward Burnett Tylor, Lewis Henry Morgan, and James George Frazer, who were influenced by Darwinian evolutionary theory. The key research areas of the British school include:

Social Evolution: The British school of anthropology sought to understand the origins and development of human societies and cultures. They were interested in tracing the historical development of human societies, as well as identifying the universal patterns and stages of cultural evolution from savagery to civilization.

Comparative Method: The British school of anthropology developed the comparative method, which involves the comparison of different cultures and societies to identify similarities and differences and to understand the processes of cultural change.

Mythology and Religion: The British school of anthropology also studied myths and religious beliefs as a way of understanding the symbolic and cultural meaning behind them.

Anthropometry: The British school of anthropology developed the field of anthropometry, which involves the measurement of physical and biological characteristics of human populations as a means of understanding human variation and evolution.

The American school of anthropology emerged in the early 20th century, and was heavily influenced by the work of Franz Boas. Boas rejected the notion of cultural evolution and instead emphasized the importance of cultural relativism, or the idea that all cultures should be understood on their own terms. The key research areas of the American school include:

Cultural Relativism: The American school of anthropology emphasized the importance of cultural relativism, which involves the study of different cultures and societies to understand their unique characteristics and to avoid imposing one's own cultural values and biases onto the analysis.

Ethnography: The American school of anthropology developed the field of ethnography, which involves the study of specific cultures and societies through firsthand observation and participation.

Linguistics: The American school of anthropology also emphasized the study of language and its relationship to culture, including the ways in which language shapes and reflects cultural practices and beliefs.

 

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Applied Anthropology: The American school of anthropology developed the field of applied anthropology, which involves the application of anthropological theories and methods to real-world problems, such as development, public health, and environmental issues.

Overall, the British and American schools of anthropology represent two major traditions of anthropological thought that have contributed to our understanding of human societies and cultures. While the British school focused on the study of social evolution and cultural history, the American school emphasized cultural relativism and the study of contemporary cultures through ethnography and linguistics. Both traditions continue to shape and influence anthropological research today.

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