In anthropological studies, what does 'etic' perspective enable researchers to do?

The etic perspective in anthropological studies refers to an external viewpoint that aims to analyze cultural practices using terms and frameworks that are familiar to the observer or researcher. This approach emphasizes an objective and comparative analysis, allowing researchers to describe behaviors and cultural elements from an outsider's viewpoint. By utilizing standardized categories or frameworks, researchers can communicate their findings in ways that are understandable to a broader audience, facilitating comparisons across different cultures.

For instance, an anthropologist may observe a ritual in a particular culture and describe it using psychological theories or sociological concepts that are recognized in the field. This allows for a detached examination of cultural practices, making it easier to engage with their findings academically or in broader discussions about human behavior and culture. The focus here is on the ability to apply external classifications rather than an insider's intimate understanding of cultural meanings, which is what the emic perspective emphasizes.