Cultural Anthropology Questions

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Cultural Anthropology Questions
Assignment 1
1. What is an ethnic group and what characteristics define these groups?
Ethnicity or an ethnic group involves the category of people who can identify with one
another based on such similarities as language, society, ancestry, culture, nation or history (Ross,
146). An ethnic group has five characteristics which include; it has an ethnocentrism feeling,
membership is ascribed from birth and has territoriality in that it occupies some distinct
geographical area for self-protection by choice.
2. What is ethnocentrism? How widespread is ethnocentrism? Is it a feature of only
a few societies?
Ethnocentrism involves the propensity to consider the practices, institutions and values of
an individual to be superior to the ones belonging to other people in the society (Duling, 131).
Ethnocentrism is a widespread attitude across all cultures in the world based on how different
they are. It is a feature of all societies along lines of ethnicity and culture but not a few of them.
3. In what ways are you ethnocentric?
I am ethnocentric when I hold the perception that one’s individual ethnic culture is
superior to that of other people, having the assumptions that are incorrect about other people,
finding certain aspects in other cultures such as dress or behavior as being objectionable

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(Fischer, and Katharina, 198). When I holding negative perceptions and want to conflict with
other people not belonging to my ethnic background I am ethnocentric (Ross, 147).
4. List and describe different sources of ethnic conflict.
• Fighting for control over different resources that have been endowed for others.
• Perceived threats to one’s identity; this involves viewing the existence of other people
as a source of threat to the lives of certain cultures (Tarimo, 157).
• Differences based on cultural behaviors, communication styles, and beliefs; these
provoke tension causing people want to conflict with others (Ross, 151)
5. How can ethnic conflict be addressed and managed to resolve tensions and
prevent an escalation of conflict?
Changing the way resources are distributed across ethnic backgrounds by making sure
that public or individual ownership is defined well enough. It is also important to change the
mutually hostile perceptions and interpretations from the side of the antagonists (Ross, 149).
Workshops active communication can be held that bring different people together to discuss
matters related to protection, security, empathy and feelings of trust.