How does the identification of cultural universals impact our understanding of what it means to be human?

This article will help you articulate your answer to this question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_universal

The process of cultural transmission from one generation to another is called: (Points : 1)

transmigration.
socialization.
enculturation.
diffusion.

2. Race has no biological basis but is a cultural construct. (Points : 1)
True
False

3. Ethnographic methods are to ethnological methods as: (Points : 1)
the humanities are to the sciences.
fieldwork is to laboratory experiments.
description is to comparison.
nature is to culture.

4. Which of the following is not a part of cultural relativism? (Points : 1)
We should view other ways of acting, thinking and feeling as just as valid as those of our own culture.
This approach requires that the anthropologist search for the rationality of actions and beliefs that seem puzzling.
We should not view foreign lifeways as inferior to our own.
Anthropologists should not have personal opinions or make judgments.

5. Because most known societies prohibit incest, it can be considered: (Points : 1)
a religious issue.
a cultural universal.
a biologically driven instinct.
an ethnocentric behavior.

6. A benefit of using __________ is that people cannot change their behaviors after the fact. (Points : 1)
interviews.
archival research.
participant observation.
time allocation studies.

7. The primary responsibility of the anthropologist is to: (Points : 1)
report all the facts collected in the field, no matter how unflattering to the people studied.
ensure that no harm comes to the people studied as a result of the anthropologist’s research.
respect the laws of the host government no matter how oppressive they might be.
conduct herself in such a way while doing fieldwork that future anthropologists wishing to study the same people will be welcomed.

8. The core method of social and cultural anthropology is participant observation. (Points : 1)
True
False

10. The changing American belief from tanned skin being healthy to tanned skin being related to skin cancer is an example of culture being: (Points : 1)
normative.
cumulative.
diffusive.
adaptive.

A, A,b,b,d

The process of cultural transmission from one generation to another is called:

question for week 2 quiz

The identification of cultural universals can significantly impact our understanding of what it means to be human. Cultural universals refer to the common features or patterns that exist across different cultures throughout history. These are the elements of culture that can be observed in every society, regardless of time, place, or specific cultural practices.

When studying cultural universals, it is important to recognize that human beings, despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, share fundamental similarities. These universals reflect the common needs, desires, and behaviors that are essential to our existence as humans.

By examining cultural universals, we gain insights into the aspects of human nature that transcend individual differences. These universals include various aspects such as language, artistic expression, social organization, family structures, systems of belief, rites of passage, and even expressions of emotions.

Understanding cultural universals allows us to appreciate the core facets of human existence that are shared by all cultures. It helps us recognize the fundamental human experiences that connect us, fostering empathy, understanding, and a respect for cultural diversity.

To identify cultural universals and their impact on understanding what it means to be human, several approaches can be taken:

1. Cross-cultural studies: Comparing different cultures and identifying common features across them allows researchers to identify cultural universals. By studying various societies, similarities in behavior, values, and beliefs can be explored.

2. Anthropological research: Anthropologists conduct fieldwork and ethnographic studies to observe and document cultural practices and rituals across different societies. These studies allow for the identification of common patterns that exist across cultures.

3. Comparative analysis: By comparing different cultural artifacts and phenomena, including myths, art forms, rituals, and social structures, researchers can identify shared elements or recurring themes that reflect cultural universals.

4. Historical analysis: Studying the evolution of human societies over time can reveal patterns and similarities in cultural practices that transcend specific contexts. By examining historical records and artifacts, researchers can identify cultural universals across different eras.

In summary, the identification of cultural universals contributes to our understanding of what it means to be human by highlighting the commonalities that define our shared human experiences. It allows us to appreciate our cultural diversity while recognizing the core aspects of our existence that bind us together as a species.