The Aims of Anthropological Research - Essay Example

It is not only important, but at times, it is necessary as well, since the proof and evidence at hand is not sufficient enough to draw appropriate conclusions (Boas 610); at such times, it becomes a necessity to make use of the historical or the present forms of the culture in order to solve the puzzle (Boas 610). When dealing with the historical aspect of anthropology, there is often a tussle between the social and economical factors that have helped shape the historical and the present conditions and cultural practices (Boas 611).

Sociologists tend to make the field of sociology the central theme of anthropological discussions (Boas 611), claiming that the human mind and its interactions with its surroundings, as discussed in sociology, is the key component of cultural evolution (Boas 611). Whereas this might be true, it is not the sole player in the game (Boas 611). Sociological factors shape the long term designs of culture (Boas 611); indeed, some cultural practices which form the core of the society take a long time to change, if at all, and it is only the radical changes that can truly be identified (Boas 610), with the more subtle and gradual changes often hard to recognize or overlooked (Boas 610).

Sociology alone can not account for the short-term and immediate social decisions which shape the day-to-day cultural activities of the populace (Boas 611). Such decisions are often strongly dictated by the economic conditions of the place (Boas 611). Economists, likewise, tend to emphasize completely the economic factors that govern the evolution of a society, neglecting or undermining the psychological and social bearings of the process (Boas 611). The economy is helpful only for studying the short-term effects, as pointed out previously; it can not explain the general decisions of the masses which span entire societies and centuries, with such decisions often being static or very slowly changing (Boas 610).

This is because economic conditions are dynamic, and do not remain the same over extended periods of time (Boas 611). Therefore, they can only account for periodic changes. Long-term practices like religion, art, and language are beyond the parameters of economics to define (Boas 611). Therefore, it follows that sociology and economics are mutually dependent to mold society and are equally responsible for the growth of the culture the people who practice it (Boas 611). Part I: Q1: Although Frank Boas is not a theorist, he is considered to be an important figure in anthropological thought and study.