Educational anthropology

Study of the relationship between education and culture

Educational anthropology is a subfield of anthropology and is concerned with the study of the relationship between education and culture. It examines how cultural beliefs, practices, and values influence educational systems and processes, and how education, in turn, affects cultural development.

History

The field of educational anthropology emerged in the mid-20th century as anthropologists began to study educational systems in various cultural contexts. It draws on methods and theories from both anthropology and education to understand how education functions in different societies.

Key Concepts

• Cultural transmission: The process by which a society's culture is passed on to the next generation through education.
• Enculturation: The gradual acquisition of the characteristics and norms of a culture by a person, group, or another culture.
• Socialization: The process by which individuals learn and adopt the values and norms of their society.

Methods

Educational anthropologists use a variety of methods to study educational systems, including:

• Ethnography: A qualitative research method that involves observing and interviewing people in their natural environment.
• Participant observation: A method where the researcher immerses themselves in the community to observe and participate in daily activities.
• Interviews: Conducting structured or unstructured interviews with participants to gather information about their educational experiences.

Applications

Educational anthropology has practical applications in designing educational programs that are culturally relevant and effective. It can help educators understand the cultural backgrounds of their students and create more inclusive learning environments.

See also

• Cultural anthropology
• Sociology of education
• Comparative education

Further reading

• Erickson, Frederick. "Culture in Society and in Educational Practices." In Handbook of Research on Multicultural Education, edited by James A. Banks and Cherry A. McGee Banks, 32-46. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
• Levinson, Bradley A. U., and Dorothy C. Holland. "The Cultural Production of the Educated Person: An Introduction." In The Cultural Production of the Educated Person: Critical Ethnographies of Schooling and Local Practice, edited by Bradley A. U. Levinson, Douglas E. Foley, and Dorothy C. Holland, 1-54. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1996.