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Discussion Questions on Malinowski's Theories

Malinowski differentiates between "preconceived ideas" and "foreshadowed problems" in ethnographic research, with the former being rigid biases and the latter being informed questions. He argues that an ethnographer should study all aspects of a culture, not just one element like religion or technology in isolation. Malinowski also advocates for understanding a culture from the native point of view to capture the "real spirit" of the people, though some may argue this is not fully possible or raises ethical issues.

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10 views1 page

Discussion Questions on Malinowski's Theories

Malinowski differentiates between "preconceived ideas" and "foreshadowed problems" in ethnographic research, with the former being rigid biases and the latter being informed questions. He argues that an ethnographer should study all aspects of a culture, not just one element like religion or technology in isolation. Malinowski also advocates for understanding a culture from the native point of view to capture the "real spirit" of the people, though some may argue this is not fully possible or raises ethical issues.

Uploaded by

sammycat
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Sample discussion questions for Malinowski

Note: please do not use any of these questions as your own.


On pp. 8-9, Malinowski writes that Good training in theory, and acquaintance with its latest
results, is not identical with being burdened with preconceived ideas. He goes on to
differentiate between preconceived ideas and foreshadowed problems. Discuss the
difference between the two and offer examples.
Do you see any evidence of anthropology as cultural critique in Malinowskis text? (e.g., see
p. 25)
What does Malinowski mean when he says on P.11:
"An Ethnographer who sets out to study only religion, or only technology, or only social
organisation cuts out an artificial field for inquiry, and he will be seriously handicapped in his
work."
How might Malinowski's three "principles of method" be useful for anthropologists today? How
might they be problematic in current times?
Answer Malinowskis question What is then this ethnographers magic, by which he is able to
evoke the real spirit of the natives, the true picture of tribal life? (p. 6) Is this a good and worthy
practice? Why or why not? Is it even possible?

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