Boasian anthropology

Boasian anthropology, developed by Franz Boas, emphasizes understanding cultures as unique and complex systems shaped by history and environment. It challenges the idea that human traits are fixed or biologically determined, instead highlighting the importance of studying language, traditions, and customs through detailed, holistic research. Boas believed that each culture’s patterns and practices are products of their specific contexts, and that studying these in depth helps to appreciate cultural diversity. His approach shifted anthropology toward cultural relativism and emphasized the importance of fieldwork in capturing the richness of different societies.