Social and Cultural Anthropology

Nature of the Subject

Social and cultural anthropology is the comparative study of culture and human societies. Anthropologists seek an understanding of humankind in all its diversity. This understanding is reached through the study of societies and cultures and the exploration of the general principles of social and cultural life. Social and cultural anthropology places special emphasis on comparative perspectives that challenge cultural assumptions. Many anthropologists explore problems and issues associated with the complexity of modern societies in local, regional and global contexts.

Although social and cultural anthropology shares much of its theory with other social sciences, it is distinct in a number of ways. These distinctions include a tradition of participant observation, and an in-depth empirical study of social groups. Topics of anthropological inquiry include social change, kinship, symbolism, exchange, belief systems, ethnicity and power relations. Social and cultural anthropology examines urban as well as rural society and modern nation states. Anthropology contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues such as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, injustice, inequality, and human and cultural rights. The study of anthropology offers critical insight into the continuities as well as the dynamics of social change and the development of societies, and challenges cultural assumptions.

The IB social and cultural anthropology course offers an opportunity for students to become acquainted with anthropological perspectives and ways of thinking, and to develop critical, reflexive knowledge. Social and cultural anthropology contributes a distinctive approach to intercultural awareness and understanding, which embodies the essence of an IB education. Anthropology fosters the development of citizens who are globally aware and ethically sensitive. The social and cultural anthropology course for both SL and HL students is designed to introduce the principles, practices and materials of the discipline.