Anthropology (ANTH) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term “contested culture” in anthropology refers to the idea that various groups within a society may have differing values, beliefs, and practices that lead to competition and conflict over which cultural norms should prevail. This reflects the dynamic nature of culture, acknowledging that multiple perspectives exist within a social context, often resulting in power struggles.

Within a contested culture, different groups—whether defined by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, or ideology—may engage in negotiations, debates, or even confrontations to assert their worldview and influence societal norms and practices. This highlights the fluidity of culture rather than presenting it as a fixed entity.

The notion of contestation underscores that culture is not merely inherited or uniformly practiced; instead, it's shaped by dialogues, conflicts, and the interplay of power among different social actors. This understanding is crucial for comprehending cultural diversity and the complexities of social interactions.