ECONOMIC ANTHROPOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Economic anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that studies the relationship between societies and their economies. It examines the social and cultural aspects of economic activities, such as production, distribution, consumption, and exchange. Economic anthropology aims to understand how different societies organize and structure their economic systems, and how these systems shape social relations, meaning, and values.
At its core, economic anthropology investigates the ways in which people gather resources, allocate them, and use them to meet their needs and desires within specific cultural and historical contexts. It explores economic behaviors and practices, such as labor, trade, gift-giving, and market transactions, to uncover the diverse ways in which societies and individuals engage with their economic environments.
The field of economic anthropology recognizes that economic systems are not simply based on rational calculations or material wealth, but are deeply embedded in cultural, symbolic, and social processes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural norms, beliefs, and values in shaping economic behavior and the ways in which economic systems create and reinforce social hierarchies and power dynamics.
Through ethnographic research and comparative analysis, economic anthropologists seek to investigate how economic activities are influenced by and influence social institutions, politics, kinship systems, religion, and other aspects of culture. They aim to gain insights into the complexities of human economic behavior and to challenge mainstream economic theories by offering alternative perspectives on the relationship between economy and society.
Etymology of ECONOMIC ANTHROPOLOGY
The word "economic anthropology" is a compound term comprising two words: "economic" and "anthropology".
1. Economic: The word "economic" comes from the Latin word "oeconomicus", which in turn derives from the Greek word "oikonomikos". It originally referred to the management of a household or family's resources and finances. Over time, the term expanded to encompass broader concepts of production, distribution, and trade within societies.
2. Anthropology: The term "anthropology" consists of two Greek words: "anthropos" meaning "human" and "logos" meaning "study" or "knowledge". Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, encompassing various aspects of human life, including culture, society, language, and physical characteristics.
Therefore, the term "economic anthropology" combines the concept of economic systems and practices with the study of humans and their societies.
