Anthropology is simply the study of humans, which is completed through the four subfields. These four subfields, while largely studied separately, are meant to come together to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be human. This coming together is known as holism, which is the synthesis of distinctive approaches and findings into a single comprehensive interpretation.
Because anthropologists often specialize in one (sometimes two) subfield(s) it can be difficult to understand how anthropology can be a holistic discipline. To demonstrate how anthropology is a holistic discipline here is an example utilizing one cultural group: goths. Through the study of goths via each of the four anthropological subfields you should gain an understanding of how anthropology is a holistic discipline.
Sociocultural Anthropology
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| Figure 1: Goth individuals at a club in London, Ontario. |
Sociocultural anthropology is the study of modern human groups. Sociocultural anthropologists gain an understanding of modern human groups and their cultures through participant-observation, the act of engaging in a culture to get a better understanding of the reasons and motivations behind cultural traditions. Sociocultural anthropologists can participate in goth culture in order to gain a better understanding of it (Figure 1). Through this method anthropologists gain a better understanding of goth culture, values, beliefs, etc. Goth culture is defined by wearing dark muted colors, popularly black; listening to industrial, goth rock, electronic dance music (EDM), and sometimes metal; engaging in the arts; valuing horror, Victorian/Gothic/Romantic period literature, etc.; as well as valuing others of the community. A deeper understanding of what it means to be goth can be gained through the sociocultural study of this cultural group.
Linguistic Anthropology
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| Figure 2: Gothic woman with dreadfalls. |
Linguistic anthropology is concerned with the study of language and culture. It is through understanding language one gets a better understanding of culture as language is a key element of culture. Language is a way of defining cultural groups, as well as identities within a culture. This is understood through focal language, which is a set of vocabulary that is utilized for a specific group, often times defines the group's identity. Focal language is very important to goths because it helps define and reify group identity. It is a way for goths to know who other members of their community are, which can be particularly important given some of the dangers posed towards goths who are often victimized simply for being goth. Figure 3 contains five terms associated with the focal language of goths.
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| Figure 3: Focal vocabulary terms |
Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of past cultural groups and their material culture. Goth culture has not existed for very long, meaning it is difficult to excavate their past material culture, but one can get a better understanding of the goth culture by studying its past/history. By studying the cultural history of goth culture one can understand where it came from and why the values that exist within the culture do as a result. Goth culture was born out of the punk movement and gets its inspiration from gothic literature, Victorian era fashion, horror films, etc. This explains some of why goth exists the ways it does.
Physical Anthropology
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| Figure 4: Tightlacing |
Physical (or biological) anthropology focuses on the biological aspects of humans. This can take many forms, including studying human evolution, primates, and biology and modern humans. One area of physical/biological anthropology is the study of body modifications, including corsetry or tightlacing, in order to understand the biological consequences on the body. Many goths practice tightlacing (Figure 4), providing scholars a sample to study the effects of this practice. We recognize some of the biological effects include displacing internal organs, reshaping the rib and pelvic bones, pain and discomfort, fainting, etc. Despite these effects goths, as well as many others, continue to practice tightlacing, providing insights into both the biological effects and cultural importance of the practice.
As demonstrated in this post anthropology is a holistic discipline that allows for the study of what it means to be human through various subfields. While each of the subfields is studied separately it is through the integration of knowledge gained by each subfield that we gain a better understanding of humanity and what makes us unique as a species-culturally, linguistically, historically, and biologically.
References
Gezon, L., & Kottak, C. (2014). Cultural Anthropology McGraw-Hill
Welsch, R.L. & L.A. Vivanco. (2015). Cultural Anthropology: Asking Questions About Humanity. Oxford University Press.
34 comments:
Does Sociocultral Anthropology, Linguistic, Physical and Archaeology fit in all cultures in some way? And with focal languages do they have their own specific cultures with symbols as well?
Yes, one can use all four fields of anthropology to study any culture or aspect of humans and their culture. I'm not sure what you are asking with the second question so I cannot answer it at this time.
As a goth, how often do you find yourself using the terms: Dreadfalls, cybergoth, rivethead, emo, and lolita? Or do you have your own constructed labels for the meanings of those terms?
I have used the terms dreadfalls, emo, and lolita quite a bit, particularly when interacting with fellow goths. The girl in Figure 2 actually introduced me to the term dreadfalls because she had been talking about how she couldn't wait to get hers for about a month before she finally wore them at the bar (where I was working). Emo is a term I still use occasionally, even with non-goths, and Lolita is a term that was appropriated by goths and therefore I often use it with people who are fans of Japanese culture, who study the Lolita fashion style, or cosplayers, such as my sister. I do not particularly use cybergoth or rivethead, but I am familiar with the terms because two different friends do use those terms quite frequently. B* uses the term cybergoth when discussing his interactions as a goth in the raver scene (not all of which have been positive), and P*, an older goth (about a decade older than me), uses that term quite a bit (whereas whenever I see a rivethead I'm fascinated by the beauty and am too tongue tied to say anything.) :P
As for reconstructing terms and labels that occasionally happens within smaller goth communities but not as much as you may think. With the ability for goths to communicate widely and over great geographical spaces due to the internet and the number of books and magazines that are geared toward us there isn't a lot of need for us to create our own language outside of the general one.
In order for you to be considered Goth, does one have to participate/follow one of the five focal language of Goths? Meaning they have to do one of these actions in order for them to be accepted into the society.
Interesting question, Tatum, although I think what you mean to say is does one who identifies as goth have to participate in one of the categories of goth identified in the focal language. The answer is no. These are just examples of terms that are used within the focal language of goths, but by no means are they only terms or the only categories of goths out there. There are several others that I did not discuss. Ultimately, one's identification as a goth is part one's own definition of self, as well as the acceptance of others, which may or may not include all members of the scene, but that ultimately goes for any community. For example, how often have you heard someone say someone is being unAmerican? Identity is a tricky thing to nail down (both as individuals and through scholarly analysis), but ultimately it is a matter of how an individual feels about him or herself that matters most. :)
S.Carter
It took for me to take a anthropology course for me to learn that anthropologist doesn't only study things from the past but current cultures as well. In the neighborhood where I grew up the gothic culture was present. I never understood the dark clothing, make-up, piercings, etc., are these and the holistic discipline part of the gothic history and why?
Those cultural elements are definitely part of gothic subculture, but holism refers to sums of all parts forming a whole. The notion of holism is used to demonstrate how all the subfields of anthropology (the parts) can provide a full understanding of gothic subculture (the whole).
How long has Goth actually been around and in order for you to actually be Goth do you have to know the history first or is it something you can learn down the line?
The Goth subculture grew out of the Punk movement/subculture, so it's been around since the 1970s/1980s (depending on which source you listen to). And much like any identity group you do not need to know about the group's history in order to be part of it. It's is more about feeling an affinity/having a real interest in it and following the cultural rules that makes you part of the group. :)
I remember in middle school and early highschool I had two goth friends. They were always bullied for being weird or whatever but I understood them, and we had a lot of fun together. I even went through a phase where I was really interested in the music they listened to which seemed really dark and evil to other people. But these were my friends, so I was always around it, it became regular in a sense.
You mentioned cultural rules. Care to share any? Or even general ideologies of goths.
Tori Spencer
This is why anthropologists advocate against studying your own culture because these questions are so difficult to answer. :) I think an easy and obvious one is to wear all black. There is a little more openness in the goth culture but quite a bit of elitism, primarily among those who identify as the most goth and then therefore appointment themselves gatekeepers of the culture. I typically avoid them. There is somewhat of a cultural expectation of being sad and depressed, which can happen, but many are quite happy (and made happy by finding the culture they love). So while the draw may be because of the sadness and darkness those feelings don't last forever. :)
I just have a quick question. Is there any anthropologist who just study holism and how the four sub-fields fit together?
Well, holism cannot really be studied as it refers to the use of all versus parts to become aware of what is going on. Therefore, in our own ways each anthropologist has to know about the remaining anthropological areas to get a better understanding of the subjects they are studying (or at least should do so). I know of only one anthropologist who uses all four subfields in his work, but he is an applied anthropologist who works for state government in their family and youth division. Having an understanding of people's cultures, their biological urges, language shifts and meanings, etc. help him make the best decision for his clients.
I saw a women with extreme lacing when I attended a Evanescence concert in Saint Louis a few years back. At first I thought it was strange, but now learning about it, I'm a little less creeped out about it.
Why do people become goths?
I recognize and understand Goth culture. I don't understand why most people find it evil?
Dalyla Jordan
I never realized their were so many different types of anthropology, i thought it was all just one broad field. Also, are their cultural norms in the goth world? or is everyone different and being different is what makes them goth?
There are cultural norms that exist within the goth culture, but there is also a bit of individuality among different groups.
I'm not going to lie, I find goth culture a bit scary but I also find it admirable because those involved in the culture are perfectly fine with not conforming to the norm. However I do want to know why some become goth? Is it the aesthetic of the culture, the unity of rebelling against the norm, or is it something else?
-Tyler Armstrong
That's a complex question without any single answer. Why does anyone do anything? Because they are drawn to it for some reason, but that reason may not be universal. For example, why do people pledge fraternities and sororities? There may be common reasons (e.g. social aspects, family tradition, etc.) but why they choose specific fraternities and sororities will add even more complexity to the mix. People become goths because they are drawn to the culture for different reasons-musical, defiance, aesthetic, etc. For myself I was drawn by the lack of judgement I saw among many goths. This doesn't mean that there aren't judgemental jerks in the community (because there are) but the ones I initially met were incredibly open minded and lacked judgemental ideals, which I found invigorating and matched my own views perfectly. I hope through the course of this class I've managed to change your mind about the cultural group and broken down some of those stereotypes. :)
How do you feel about the physical antropology shown in the last figure? Do you think its inappropriate?
-Daisha Benton
I would like to know more about the anthropology side of goth as to why did this group become more broad today. Like what are goths purpose in the social world?
Very interesting and informal article for some reason I always associated the word "emo" with suicide so it was nice to learn the actual meaning and I always appreciated the fashion since of the gothic culture.
Are Sociocultral Anthropology, Linguistic, Physical and Archaeology used in all cultures or just used in certain ones ? overall i thought this was a great article.
Ainya Lomax
Has the goth culture increased in recent years or has it stayed consistent? Just my opinion but I feel like majority of goth culture is withing the age group of early teens to early 20's. I am not saying that they are all within that group that just seems like the common ground.
Amber Barnes
Goth culture is really interesting. I do not think a lot of people realize that it is more than just fashion. It is a lot like any other type of following. You have people that share the same views and interest. Honestly I am part of groups myself. They may not be your cup of tea but I am glad they can be themselves and be confident to do it!
Goth culture has been in a decline for a number of years, giving way to other cultures, such as steampunk and emo. It remains strong among older generations, though, which is in part because goth lends itself to being something that can and does last much longer than some other "fads".
PhinasiaButler
i never really understood the goth culture, but this article gave me a little insight and how and what they do to be considered goths.
When I think of a person in the Goth culture. I dont think of their whole background like what languages they speak and what they do on their fun time. So it was interesting learning that they have four focal languages.
After reading about Physical anthropology I did not know that goths practice tight lacing considering it has so many side affects to it while doing it but the photo that I see above the after math of it is quite beautiful she reminds me of a monster high doll and I love those dolls . - Mykia Chaney
I didn't start seeing people who were goth until middle school. However, once i entered high school. There was a bigger population.
I'm glad to have greater understanding of this because I've always had my presumption of what they do and go by.
OK for one i didnt know goth was considered a culture. So how do you become goth??Is it like being Muslim?
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