Chapter Goals

After studying this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

1. Explain the role of theory in anthropological research.
2. Identify key theoretical perspectives in anthropology.
3. Discuss how Christians can engage anthropological theory in thinking about faith and society.

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Chapter Outline

Introduction

Theory in Anthropology

Foundations of Anthropological Theory

Early Anthropological Theories

Positivist Anthropology

Symbolic Anthropology

Postmodern Anthropological Theory

Christians Engaging Anthropological Theory

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Terms

cultural ecology

cultural marxism (also called marxian theory)

cultural materialism

cultural traits

diffusionism

falsification

feminist theory

functionalism

historical particularism

idiographic explanation

naturalism

nomothetic explanation

perspectivalism (or standpoint theory)

positivism

postmodern theory

reflexivity

sociobiology

structural functionalism

structuralism

symbolic anthropology (also called interpretive anthropology)

theory

unilinear cultural evolution

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Discussion Questions

1. How does theory work in your major? Can you perceive the theoretical orientation of your professors or of major scholars in the field? Does your major focus more on nomothetic or idiographic explanations?
2. Which do you find most compelling for understanding human society and culture: Marx, Durkheim, or Weber? Why?
3. Use symbolic anthropology to interpret your classroom. What are some of the key symbols? How do they shape people’s understandings, behaviors, and interactions?

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