Q1. Discuss the historical development of urban anthropology with special reference to the Chicago School.
- Urban anthropology evolved from traditional studies to analyze complex urban environments.
- The Chicago School (1920s-30s) was pivotal in founding urban studies, primarily sociology.
- Key figures: Park (human ecology), Burgess (concentric zones), Wirth (urbanism as a way of life).
- Methodologies included participant observation, life histories, and case studies for empirical research.
Answer: The historical development of urban anthropology is deeply intertwined with the emergence of urban studies in the early 20th century, a period characterized by rapid global urbanization. Initially, anthropology predominantly focused on small-scale, 'primitive' societies, often overlooking the complex social dynamics within burgeoning cities. However, the dramatic societal transformations wrought by industrialization and urbanization necessitated a new lens for understanding human social organiza...