Why did the American anthropologists while studying the people like the Navaho focused on the concept and study of cultures instead of society?

Introduction

American anthropologists, particularly during the early 20th century, often focused on the concept and study of cultures rather than society when studying Indigenous peoples like the Navajo. This comprehensive solution explores the reasons behind this emphasis on cultural analysis and its significance in shaping anthropological inquiry in the United States.

1. Influence of Franz Boas

Franz Boas, often regarded as the "father of American anthropology," played a pivotal role in shaping anthropological research methods and priorities in the United States. Boas emphasized the importance of cultural relativism, which posits that cultural practices should be understood within their own cultural context rather than through the lens of the observer's cultural biases. Boas's approach encouraged anthropologists to focus on the study of cultures as distinct systems of meaning and behavior, rather than viewing societies as homogeneous entities.

2. Reaction against Evolutionism

American anthropologists' emphasis on the study of cultures can be seen as a reaction against the prevailing evolutionary theories of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Evolutionary theorists posited that societies progressed through a series of predetermined stages of development, with Western societies representing the pinnacle of social evolution. This Eurocentric perspective often led to biased and ethnocentric interpretations of non-Western cultures. In response, American anthropologists, influenced by Boas, sought to challenge these deterministic and hierarchical views of cultural development by focusing on the diversity and complexity of human cultures.

3. Methodological Innovation

The study of cultures allowed American anthropologists to develop innovative research methods that emphasized participant observation, ethnographic fieldwork, and the collection of detailed qualitative data. Rather than relying solely on abstract theories or armchair speculation, anthropologists like Boas and his students immersed themselves in the everyday lives of the people they studied, documenting their cultural practices, beliefs, and social organization firsthand. This methodological approach enabled anthropologists to gain deeper insights into the intricacies of Navajo culture and society, providing a more nuanced understanding of their way of life.

4. Preservation of Cultural Heritage

American anthropologists recognized the importance of preserving Indigenous cultures in the face of colonialism, assimilation policies, and cultural change. By studying and documenting Navajo culture, anthropologists sought to contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous traditions, languages, and lifeways. Cultural anthropology provided a platform for Indigenous peoples to share their stories, knowledge, and perspectives with the wider world, empowering them to assert their cultural identities and rights in the face of external pressures.

5. Recognition of Cultural Complexity

American anthropologists studying the Navajo and other Indigenous peoples recognized the inherent complexity and diversity of human cultures. Rather than reducing Navajo society to simplistic stereotypes or generalizations, anthropologists embraced the richness and variability of Navajo culture, acknowledging the multiple dimensions of identity, belief systems, social organization, and historical experience that shaped Navajo life. This holistic and contextual approach to cultural analysis allowed anthropologists to appreciate the dynamic and adaptive nature of Navajo culture over time.

Conclusion

The focus on the concept and study of cultures, rather than society, by American anthropologists studying Indigenous peoples like the Navajo was influenced by a combination of factors, including the influence of Franz Boas, a reaction against evolutionary theories, methodological innovation, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the recognition of cultural complexity. This emphasis on cultural analysis shaped anthropological inquiry in the United States, leading to a more nuanced understanding of Indigenous cultures and societies and contributing to efforts to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity.