|
|
|
November 26, 2006
ANTHROPOLOGY is a relatively unknown subject in Pakistan. Belonging to the genre of social sciences and being a lot younger than sociology, it lags behind. Thus, not surprisingly, only the Quaid-i -Azam University has a department of anthropology.
Anthropology, in simple words, is the study of man when and where he existed. It is true that history, physiology and psychology are also studies of man but anthropology differs from history not by excluding historical studies of people, institutions or customs but by using, as much direct observation of human beings as possible, their activities and products rather than merely documenting accounts. Similarly, it differs in approach from psychology or physiology by focusing on the variations and collective differences in the human as well as the physical appearance. Thus, anthropology seeks to study and interprete the special characteristics of a particular population and activities in terms of its time and place in history.
The above information may serve as a bowing acquaintance with the subject. But for students who feel inclined to study anthropology as an academic subject, others aspects should also be brought to the forefront.
Etymologically, the word “anthropology” is derived from the Greek term “anthrop” which means “man” and “logy” meaning science. Thus, anthropology is the study or science of man in all places and at all times. The subject can also be divided into both non-formal and formal anthropology. Formal anthropology, as can be gauged from the works of renowned scholars, represents a systematic (scientific) approach and, therefore, is regarded as highly valid, giving importance to direct observation. Travel accounts come under non-formal anthropology and are relegated to a much lower status. The latter cannot get you an academic degree. Frequent reference is, however, made to non-formal anthropology by the great scholars of formal anthropology. While describing the history of anthropology, Herodotus (484-425BC) is often mentioned as the first non-formal anthropologist. His tales of travels describe the lifestyles of some 50 different kinds of people he visited.
Formal anthropology, as a discipline, claims to study human beings in a systematic way. The American scholar L.H. Morgan (1818-1881) and his English counterpart E.B. Tylor (1832-1917) are usually said to be the fathers of formal anthropology.
Since the turn of the 20th century, formal anthropology developed into an increasingly complex academic discipline. It can be divided into two broad divisions: physical/biological anthropology and cultural/social anthropology. The first of these two divisions pertains to the evolution of man and his behaviour with respect to the several biological characteristics in which ancient and modern human populations differ from one abother. The second is again divided into three sub-divisions: archaeology, ethnology and linguistics. Archaeology is primarily concerned with the study of ancient cultures and past phases of contemporary societies. The ethnologists go on with comparative studies of diverse cultures and try to investigate of theoretical problems. Anthropological linguists study the history (or pre-history) of certain groups of languages and their relationship with other cultures.
It is a well-established fact that only a small number of students in Pakistan are interested in studying a particular subject from an academic point of view to enhance knowledge, vision and new realities. The most common reason for choosing a particular major among 90 per cent of the students is to get a degree quickly and get a job without losing further time.
Of course, students should not be blamed for such decisions. In Pakistan, an overwhelming majority of people are faced with various socio-economic problems. Thanks to increasing unemployment and skyrocketing prices of bare essentials, students decide to opt for subjects/degrees that can provide them much-needed respite. Thus, one must point out here that students who are compelled to get a job quickly can get a degree in anthropology and land a job without waiting too long. The question is whether anthropology is relevant to Pakistan in any way.
Much to everyone’s surprise, it is. The most tangible phenomenon in a society is human beings and people, whether they are working at dam or a factory, have set behaviour patterns largely influenced by their cultural, religious, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds and in this regard, anthropology is particularly useful in Pakistan where there is such a diverse mix of people.
The possibility that anthropological knowledge can be put to practical use in solving human problems has been recognised in the United States ever since the discipline started emerging. Most problems involve changes in behaviour, attitudes, institutions and relationships and for this reason acculturation studies in the US and cultures contact studies were closely linked to applied anthropology. Pakistan represents a plural society in terms of people speaking four different languages in four provinces. Their ethnic origins are different. Their eating and dressing habits do not represent a homogeneous culture. Nevertheless, they belong to one country with same geographical boundaries and about 90 per cent of the population adheres to the same religion. They love to live in their native homes with their kith and kin but economic problem and scarcity of resources force them to move from rural areas to big cities. This increasing trend of migration into the already overpopulated big cities is creating multifarious problems.
One particular problem relates to the patterns of contact between people with different cultural backgrounds – between the migrating groups and the people already living in a city like Karachi. The problems emanating from such culture contact are varied. For example, people in contact may differ in their use of technology, ideology, values, social structure, local and tribal customs, etc. Contacts may involve a few selected representatives of one or both social groups and may involve super ordination-subordination situations.
Furthermore, increasing crime, problems of law and order, squatter settlements, beggars, traffic rule violations, child labour, narcotic drugs, etc., are, in one way or another, related to the phenomenon of cultures contact. Students of anthropology are trained to study such problems and make useful recommendations. Moreover, students of anthropology are well-trained to carry out field research. In their training, it is incumbent upon them to live in the field for a period of four to five months to collect data through direct observation. It isn’t easy but it is possible and, in the long run, useful.
The writer is a freelance contributor
|
|
|
|
