Bernard and Gravlee’s (p.8) definition of anthropology states that it is an “eclectic field with regard to methods.” This is because anthropology, due to its ability to adapt to any environment and situation, has allowed it to provide explanations for many human manifestations as well as collective thoughts.
Anthropology is able to develop a vast array of concepts, including culture. Ethnography can be used to study civilizations and societies. Researchers use tools such as the interview or participant observation to learn how a society lives.
Ethnography studies the phenomenon and aims to understand the reality. Its primary purpose is to acquire knowledge and theories, not to solve practical problems. All information collected is taken into account. In order for subjects to be able to understand how they think, talk and act, verbal as well as nonverbal information must also be considered. An ethnographic analysis focuses on the specific social context.
Once we are familiar with anthropology’s approach to culture and human manifestations, we may be able to approximate the definition of culture using one of its methods. However, defining culture can be difficult since many researchers and authors have developed a particular position based on their research, experiences, and studies. However, there are many common elements among all these definitions and concepts.
Tylor (1871), who was one of the first to establish a definition for culture, is our “folklore”. His definition provides the foundations for what we call “folklore”, or the knowledge of folklore. This includes all manifestations that result from the cultural movement like: morals system(s), religions, artistic expressions and laws, as well any other habits or capabilities that are part of a society.
Franz Boas (1938), Malinowski (1941) shared similar ideas about the conception of culture. They described culture as a social manifestation. This is where an idea or philosophy becomes a movement that has codes previously accepted and agreed to by all its peers. They also refer to Tylor’s previous theory, which is in conflict with evolution theory.
As culture is a human manifestation of many ideas and activities, we might consider it a “being”. It must be fed to survive; otherwise it will become senile, mummified, and eventually disappear.
