URBAN ANTHROPOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Urban anthropology is a field of study within social anthropology that focuses on examining the dynamics and complexities of urban societies and their cultural, social, and economic systems. It seeks to understand how humans and their communities interact with and shape urban environments, providing a holistic and comprehensive analysis of urban life.
This subfield of anthropology is concerned with investigating the various aspects of urbanization, including urban development, urban planning, migration, population growth, social organization, cultural practices, and the impact of globalization. Urban anthropologists employ ethnographic research methods, such as participant observation, interviews, and surveys, to collect data on urban communities and their inhabitants. They explore topics such as identity formation, social inequality, ethnic diversity, urban poverty, community development, and the role of urban spaces in shaping social interactions.
By examining urban spaces as cultural landscapes, urban anthropology seeks to unravel the underlying social structures, power dynamics, and cultural practices that shape urban societies. It aims to shed light on the urban experience and provide critical insights into the social, economic, and political challenges faced by urban dwellers. Urban anthropology also explores how urbanization affects traditional cultural practices, as well as how new cultural forms emerge and reshape urban social life.
In summary, urban anthropology is a specialized branch of anthropology that focuses on understanding the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of urban societies, providing valuable insights into the complexities of urban life and the interplay between people and their urban environments.
Etymology of URBAN ANTHROPOLOGY
The term "urban anthropology" is a combination of two words: "urban" and "anthropology".
The word "urban" originates from the Latin term "urbanus", which means "of or relating to a city". It evolved through various European languages before entering English in the late 16th century, and it refers to anything related to cities, urban areas, or urbanism.
The word "anthropology" comes from the Greek roots "anthropos" meaning "human" and "logia" meaning "study" or "science". It emerged in the 16th century to describe the scientific study of humans, including their origins, physical characteristics, cultures, societies, and behaviors.
Therefore, "urban anthropology" refers to the branch of anthropology that focuses on the study of human cultures, societies, behaviors, and interactions in urban areas or city contexts.
