Introduction to Change
Welcome to your study notes on Change! In Social and Cultural Anthropology, students often think we only study ancient traditions or "frozen" cultures. However, anthropology is actually deeply concerned with how societies transform. Change is one of the nine key concepts that form the backbone of your IB DP course. Whether it’s a small shift in a family tradition or a massive global movement, anthropologists look at the "why" and "how" behind these transitions.
Don't worry if this seems broad at first. We will break down how to look at change through different "lenses" and at different scales, from a single person to the entire planet.
What is Change in Anthropology?
The IB syllabus defines these key concepts as contestable, dynamic, and historically situated. This means there isn't just one "correct" dictionary definition of change. Instead, it is a starting point for discussion.
In general, Change refers to the alteration or modification of cultural or social elements. This could involve shifts in:
- Beliefs and knowledge (how people see the world).
- Social relations (how people interact with each other).
- Materiality (the objects and technology people use).
- Power (who holds authority and how it is used).
Quick Review: The Nature of the Concept
Remember: In your exams, you should treat the definition of Change as a "starting point." Different anthropologists and different cultures might view change as progress, as a loss of tradition, or as a necessary adaptation.
Scales of Change
One of the most important skills in IB Anthropology is being able to analyze a concept at different levels. When you write about Change, try to think about these six levels:
1. Individual: How does a single person’s life change? (Example: Someone moving from a rural village to a city).
2. Community: How does a specific group transform? (Example: A local neighborhood adopting new religious practices).
3. Local: Changes within a specific geographic area.
4. National: Changes that affect an entire country, like a new law or a political revolution.
5. Regional: Changes across a large area, like the Middle East or Southeast Asia.
6. Global: Large-scale transformations like globalization or climate change.
Theories of Change
Anthropologists use "theories" as tools to explain why change happens. You don't need to know every theory ever written, but you should be familiar with a few from the syllabus list to use as "lenses."
1. Evolutionism (Classic Theory)
This is an older way of thinking. Early anthropologists thought all societies changed in a straight line from "primitive" to "civilized." Note: Modern anthropologists generally reject this idea because it is ethnocentric, but it is important to know as part of the history of the discipline.
2. Diffusionism
This theory suggests that Change happens when ideas, behaviors, or objects spread from one culture to another through contact, trade, or migration.
3. Historical Particularism
Associated with Franz Boas, this theory argues that each society has its own unique history. Change isn't following a universal path; it's the result of that specific culture's past and its environment.
4. Globalization Theories
These theories look at how Change is driven by the rapid movement of people, money, and ideas across the world. It often looks at hybridity—how local cultures mix with global influences to create something new.
Did You Know?
Anthropology isn't just about the past! Virtual settings and the internet are now major sites for fieldwork. Anthropologists study how digital technology causes Change in how we communicate and form identities.
Change in the "Areas of Inquiry"
When you study your specific "Areas of Inquiry" (like Belonging or Conflict), you will come across inquiry-specific concepts that relate directly to Change. Here are a few examples from the syllabus:
- Modernization: The process of moving from "traditional" to "modern" ways of life, often linked to technology and capitalism.
- Acculturation: What happens when two cultures meet and one begins to adopt the traits of the other.
- Neo-colonialism: How powerful countries continue to influence and change less powerful countries even after the end of colonial rule.
- Socialization / Enculturation: How individuals change as they learn the rules and values of their society.
Connecting Change to Real-World Issues
In Paper 2 Section A, you will be asked to connect a key concept (like Change) to a real-world issue. Here is how you might approach it:
Step 1: Pick an Issue. Let's say the issue is Sustainability.
Step 2: Connect to Change. How are communities changing their traditional farming methods to deal with environmental shifts?
Step 3: Use Ethnography. Use the specific examples you've studied in class (like the Trobriand Islanders or any other group your teacher has chosen) to show this change in action.
Key Takeaways for Students
- Change is constant: No culture is "static" or stuck in time.
- Change is uneven: It can happen quickly for some people and slowly for others.
- Change is interconnected: A change in Materiality (like getting smartphones) often leads to a change in Social Relations (how families talk to each other).
- Context matters: Always mention the ethnographic present (when the study was done) and the historical context of the group you are discussing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The "Before and After" Trap: Don't just describe what a culture was like before and after a change. Analyze why it changed and how people felt about it.
- Assuming all change is "Progress": Anthropologists try to be objective. What one person calls "progress," another might call "loss of tradition."
- Ignoring Power: Often, change happens because someone with Power (like a government or a corporation) forces it to happen. Always ask: Who benefits from this change?
Quick Review Box
Concept: Change
Scale: Individual to Global
Key Question: Why do societies transform, and how do people experience those transformations?
Exam Tip: In Paper 1, identify specific evidence of change in the text and explain it using an anthropological lens (like power or identity).