Question

The important features of Ethnology are :
• [A.] It has to be based on survey data
• [B.] It is narrative
• [C.] It should not be based on ethnography
• [D.] It is comparative
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B and C only
• B. B and C only
• C. A and D only
• D. B and D only

Hint:

Remember: Ethnography = descriptive study of one culture. Ethnology = comparative study of many cultures using ethnographic data.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Ethnology is one of the important branches of anthropology. It involves the comparative and analytical study of different cultures and societies. Unlike ethnography, which mainly describes a single culture in detail, ethnology compares cultural patterns, institutions, customs, and social systems across societies. Ethnology depends upon:
• Collection of cultural data,
• Survey and field information,
• Comparative analysis,
• Interpretation of similarities and differences among societies. Thus, understanding the distinction between ethnography and ethnology is essential for solving this question.

Step 1: Understanding Ethnology. The word Ethnology is derived from: \[ \text{Ethnos = people} \qquad \text{and} \qquad \text{Logos = study} \] Therefore, ethnology means: \[ \text{Comparative study of cultures and societies} \] Ethnologists compare:
• Kinship systems,
• Religion,
• Political organization,
• Marriage customs,
• Economic systems,
• Social institutions. The objective is to identify:
• Similarities,
• Differences,
• Cultural patterns,
• Evolutionary trends.

Step 2: Analyzing Statement A. Statement A says: \[ \text{It has to be based on survey data} \] This statement is correct. Ethnology depends upon:
• Collected cultural data,
• Survey material,
• Field reports,
• Ethnographic records. Without reliable cultural data, comparison between societies cannot be made scientifically. Therefore, Statement A is correct.

Step 3: Analyzing Statement B. Statement B says: \[ \text{It is narrative} \] This statement is incorrect. Narrative description is mainly associated with: \[ Ethnography \] Ethnography provides detailed descriptive accounts of a particular society or culture. Ethnology, on the other hand, is:
• Comparative,
• Analytical,
• Interpretative. Thus, ethnology is not primarily narrative in nature. Hence, Statement B is incorrect.

Step 4: Analyzing Statement C. Statement C says: \[ \text{It should not be based on ethnography} \] This statement is incorrect. In reality: \[ Ethnology heavily depends upon ethnographic data. \] Ethnographic studies provide the raw material used by ethnologists for comparison and analysis. Therefore:
• Ethnography and ethnology are closely related,
• Ethnology cannot function without ethnographic information. Hence, Statement C is false.

Step 5: Analyzing Statement D. Statement D says: \[ \text{It is comparative} \] This statement is absolutely correct. Comparison is the central feature of ethnology. Ethnologists compare:
• Different societies,
• Cultural traits,
• Institutions,
• Social structures,
• Belief systems. Thus, Statement D is correct.

Step 6: Determining the correct combination. We found: \[ A = \text{Correct} \] \[ B = \text{Incorrect} \] \[ C = \text{Incorrect} \] \[ D = \text{Correct} \] Thus, the correct combination is: \[ \boxed{\text{A and D only}} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) A and D only}} \]