Textual Approach and Contextual Approach

Textual Approach are mainly undertaken by the historians.The Anthropologists also take into account the scrutiny of the literary compositions and physical forms such as architecture as well.

Contextual Approach are taken by Anthropologists who observe the actual life of the people and interpret the implications of the findings.They relate to the real life to the concepts in sacred books,epics etc of the people.

Redfield suggested that both the Little and Great Traditions should be studied in their relationship to one another through the methodological media of textual and contextual studies.Milton Singer applied this to his study of Indian Civilization particularly in South India.

Archeological Anthropologists have tried to study and interprete the origins of civilization.They also study several aspects of urban and complex societies.

Eric Wolf has studied the role and importance of kinship,friendship and patron-client relationship in complex societies.

Andrian Mayor has focussed on the political significance of quasi-groups in complex societies.

Oscar Lewis has studied the Culture of Poverty in the slums of modern urban societies.