How this paper is set and answered
From the notes printed under FPSC's own Revised Scheme tables.
- Ratio of MCQs in compulsory papers for CE-2016 will be 20 MCQs in each paper except in the paper of Essay. Similarly there will be 20 MCQs from each optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Complete Anthropology Syllabus
The full official FPSC syllabus, reproduced section by section from the source document.
Definition of anthropology, its historical development and recent trends
1Social Anthropology
14 points
- Definition of culture, its characteristics and functions
- Relationship of anthropology with other social sciences
- Sub fields of anthropology:
- Biological Anthropology,
- Archaeology,
- Linguistic Anthropology
- Socio-Cultural Anthropology
- Institution of Family and Marriage (Definitions, types, structures, functions, family organization)
- Kinship and Social Organization (Definitions, types, functions, kinship terminology etc)
- Economic Organization: (Definitions, evolution, substantivism versus formalism, reciprocity, production, consumption, distribution, barter and primitive economic systems)
- Political Organization: (Definitions, evolution of political system, characteristics of (band, tribal, chiefdom and state societies), theories of the origin of state societies (internal conflict theories, external conflict theories, population and irrigation theories, institutionalization of leadership and the emergence of state, system theories), origin of civilization, the politics of identity, ethnicity and ethnic relations, nationalism, modernism, post-modernism etc.
- Religion: (Definitions, evolution of primitive religions, functions of religion, comparison of devine religions and other world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc)
- Contemporary Human Problems:
- Poverty, social inequality, political instability, population problems, ethnic violence and terrorism etc.
2Urban Anthropology
1 point
- Rural-urban migration, expansion of cities, major environmental issues, sanitation problems, urbanization and development, establishment of slums and squatter settlements, refugees, yankees, betties, gypsies, wars and conflict, conversion of power from feudal to industrialists, institutionalization, education system, and change in the mode of production (agriculture to capitalists), poverty (theories and remedies), management of city life (psychological, cultural, economic, political, religious, physical, environmental, ecological, demographical, lingual etc.), Karl Marx and conflict theory, problems created by the mechanization and automation.
3Socio-Cultural Change
1 point
- Definitions, difference between social and cultural change, various dimension of cultural change, barriers to cultural change including (culture, psychological and political), internal dynamics for change, external dynamics for change, population incease and change, diffusion of innovations, socio-religious barriers in accepting the innovations and new ideas, media and cultural change, dynamics of change in Pakistan (Trends and prospects)
4Ethnicity and Race
1 point
- Theories related to ethnicity and race, ethnicity and racism, nations and nationality, ethnic conflict, degree of social variation, rank societies, caste and class societies and social stratification etc.
5Anthropological Theories
5 points
- Contributors: (Edward Burnett Taylor, Lewis Henry Morgan, James Frazer, Karl Marx, Edmund Leach, Franz Boas, Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, Alfred L.
- Krobber, Alfred Reginald Radcliffe-Brown, Bronislaw Kasper Malinowski, Clifford Geertz, Talal Asad, Akbar S. Ahamd, Ibn Khaldun, Shah Walliullah)
- Classical Theories: (Degenerations, Evolutionism, Neo-Evolutionism, Diffusions)
- Modern Theories: (Functionalism, Structural-functionalism, Class struggle, Structuralism, Historical Particularism, Feminism, Culture and personality)
- Current Trends in Anthropological Thoughts: (Post Modernism, Romanticism, Poetics and Politics of Ethnography)
6Anthropological Research Methods
3 points
- Meaning, definition, types and aims of anthropological research
- Qualitative and Quantitative research
- Purpose of research, research question, variables, hypothesis, research objective(s), research design, sampling, field data collection, tools of data collection (questionnaire, interview, participant observation), data classification, data analysis, and reporting.
Preparation Strategy for Anthropology
Anthropology for CSS tests your understanding of human societies, cultures, and their evolution. The single 100-mark paper requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and its application to contemporary issues, particularly within a Pakistani context. A strong script demonstrates a clear grasp of anthropological concepts, supported by relevant examples and a critical perspective, moving beyond mere definitions to analytical depth.
Anthropology (100 marks) examines humanity's cultural and biological evolution. It is incredibly high scoring due to its concise syllabus.
1. Cultural Dynamics: Master concepts regarding kinship, marriage structures, economic systems of primitive societies, and religious magic.
2. Anthropological Theories: Memorize the core tenets of Evolutionism, Functionalism, and Structuralism. Know exactly which theorist corresponds to which idea.
3. Fieldwork and Modern Applications: Cite ethnographic examples, particularly concerning cultural shifts and globalization impacting traditional Pakistani micro-societies.
Paper by paper
Prioritise a thorough understanding of core concepts in Social Anthropology, including family, marriage, kinship, and economic/political organisations. Dedicate significant attention to Anthropological Theories, as these provide the framework for analysis across all sections. Integrate contemporary human problems and dynamics of change in Pakistan into your answers, showing how theoretical concepts apply to real-world scenarios.
A six-month plan
- 1Foundational ConceptsWeeks 1-6
Begin with "Social Anthropology" - definition of culture, its characteristics, relationship with other social sciences, and sub-fields. Deep dive into "Institution of Family and Marriage" and "Kinship and Social Organization" to build a strong conceptual base.
- 2Theoretical Frameworks and ApplicationsWeeks 7-14
Study "Anthropological Theories" in detail, understanding contributors, classical, and modern theories. Simultaneously, apply these theories to "Economic Organization" and "Political Organization". Introduce "Urban Anthropology" and "Socio-Cultural Change" to understand societal dynamics.
- 3Contemporary Issues and Research MethodsWeeks 15-20
Address "Contemporary Human Problems" and "Ethnicity and Race", linking them to previously studied theories. Cover "Anthropological Research Methods" thoroughly, understanding both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
- 4Integration and PracticeWeeks 21-24
Integrate knowledge across all sections. Practice writing answers, focusing on applying theoretical concepts to contemporary issues and using examples. Revise all sections, paying special attention to areas identified as weaker during practice.
Using CSSPrep.AI for Anthropology
Only the tools that genuinely support this subject are listed.
Use it to structure answers for complex theoretical or applied questions.
Try: Discuss the evolution of political system, characteristics of band, tribal, chiefdom and state societies.
Practice MCQs to solidify your grasp of definitions, key thinkers, and theoretical distinctions for the objective component.
Submit your written answers to get feedback on structure, content, evidence, and language, helping you refine your writing style and analytical approach.
High-yield topics
Each one is traced back to the section of the official syllabus it comes from.
This forms the absolute bedrock of Anthropology. A strong understanding is crucial for all other topics.
Syllabus section: Social Anthropology
Fundamental social institutions, frequently tested for their definitions, types, and contemporary relevance.
Syllabus section: Social Anthropology
A comprehensive topic covering evolutionary aspects and theories, often appearing in various forms in the exam.
Syllabus section: Social Anthropology
"Urban Anthropology" is a distinct section with many interconnected contemporary issues, making it a rich area for questions.
Syllabus section: Urban Anthropology
This topic directly addresses socio-cultural change and its specific dynamics within Pakistan, a key applied area.
Syllabus section: Socio-Cultural Change
Understanding these theories and their proponents is essential for analytical depth and forms the backbone of anthropological thought.
Syllabus section: Anthropological Theories
"Anthropological Research Methods" is a practical section that can be directly tested and helps in structuring analytical answers.
Syllabus section: Anthropological Research Methods
Common mistakes in Anthropology answers
- Presenting generic sociological or historical arguments instead of an anthropological perspective rooted in cultural relativism and holistic understanding.
- Failing to provide specific ethnographic examples or case studies to support theoretical points, making answers abstract.
- Not adequately linking anthropological theories to contemporary human problems or the dynamics of change in Pakistan.
- Confusing the various sub-fields of anthropology or misattributing theories to incorrect thinkers.
- Providing mere definitions without critical analysis or comparative discussion, especially in questions requiring evaluation of different theoretical schools.
- Ignoring the objective component, which often tests knowledge of specific terms, thinkers, and basic concepts.
FPSC recommended books
The 31 books FPSC lists for Anthropology in the official syllabus.
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| 1. Anthropology | William A Haviland |
| 2. Cultural Anthropology | Onrad Philip Kottak |
| 3. Diffusion of Innovation | Evert M. Roger |
| 4. Socio Cultural Dynamics and impact of Technological Change | G. M. Foster |
| 5. Pakistani Society | Akber S. Ahmed |
| 6. Economic Anthropology | Sutti Ortiz |
| 7. Political Anthropology: An introduction | Ted. C. Lawellen |
| 8. Pukhtun economy and society | Akber S. Ahmed |
| 9. Principles of Anthropology | Eliot Dismore Chapple and Carleton Stevens Coon |
| 10. Anthropology and Modern life | Franz Boas |
| 11. Anthropology and Contemporary Human Problem | John H. Bodley |
| 12. Sindh and the Races that inhabit the Valley of the Indus | Richard Burton |
| 13. The People of Pakistan | Yu. V. Gankorvsky |
| 14. Anthropology and Development | Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan |
| 15. An Introduction to Theory in Anthropology | Robert Layton |
| 16. Anthropological Theory | John R. McGee and Richard L. Warms |
| 17. Anthropology in Pakistan | Stephen Pastner and Louis Flam |
| 18. Anthropology (13th edition) | Carol R. Ember, Melvin R Ember and Pet N Peregrine |
| 19. Other Cultures | John Beattie |
| 20. A Hand Book of Social Science Research | Bevelry R. Dixon, Gary D Bouma and G.B.J. Atiinson |
| 21. Frontier Perspectives: Essays in Comparative Anthropology | Clarlies Lindholm |
| 22. Generosity and Jealousy: The Swat Pukhtun of Northern Pakistan | Clarlies Lindholm |
| 23. Friend by Day and Enemy by Night: Organized Vengeance in a Kohistani Community | Lincoin Keiser |
| 24. A Punjabi Village in Pakistan | Zekiye Eglar |
| 25. The social organization of the Marri Baluch | Robert Niel Pehrson |
| 26. Introducing Anthropology | Park, MA 2007 |
| 27. Peoples and Cultures of Asia | Scupin, R 2005 |
| 28. Outlines and Highlights for Anthropology | Scupin, R and Decorse, CR 2010 |
| 29. Economic Anthropology | Stuart plattner |
| 30. Economies and Culture | Richard Wilk |
| 31. Introduction to Anthropology of Religion | Brian Moris |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anthropology a scoring subject for CSS?
Anthropology is a humanities subject that rewards well-structured answers, clear conceptual understanding, and the ability to apply theories to real-world scenarios. Success depends on thorough preparation and effective presentation of knowledge, rather than inherent scoring potential.
How should I approach the recommended books?
The recommended books provide comprehensive insights into anthropological concepts. You can use them for in-depth understanding of specific topics, but focus on extracting information directly relevant to the syllabus points rather than reading cover-to-cover.
Do I need to memorise all the contributors and theories under "Anthropological Theories"?
Yes, a strong grasp of the key contributors and their associated classical and modern theories is crucial. Understanding their core arguments and how they relate to each other will enable you to write analytical and well-supported answers.
How important are contemporary issues in Anthropology Paper I?
Contemporary issues, such as poverty, ethnic violence, and urbanization, are explicitly mentioned in the syllabus. Integrating these into your answers, using anthropological frameworks, is vital for demonstrating relevance and analytical depth.
What is the key difference between social and cultural change?
The syllabus explicitly asks for this distinction. Social change refers to alterations in social structures and relationships, while cultural change involves transformations in beliefs, values, norms, and practices. Understanding this difference is key to addressing questions in the "Socio-Cultural Change" section.
How can I ensure my answers are specific to Anthropology and not just general knowledge?
Always frame your answers using anthropological terminology, concepts, and theoretical perspectives. Support your points with examples from diverse cultures or specific ethnographic studies, and critically analyse issues through an anthropological lens, such as cultural relativism or holism.
Syllabus text reproduced from Revised Syllabi for CSS Competitive Examination, CE-2016 (updated 7 July 2015), pages 30-33. Marks and grouping are from the same document's Revised Scheme tables. Verify against the official PDF before relying on it.