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What term do anthropologists use for the ideological justification for colonial governments to take over and “civilize” other peoples?

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Final answer:

The term used to describe the ideological rationale for colonial powers to colonize and "civilize" other peoples is known as the "Civilizing Mission".

Step-by-step explanation:

The term anthropologists use for the ideological justification for colonial governments to take over and "civilize" other peoples is known as the "Civilizing Mission". This ideology was a product of social Darwinism and cultural superiority, which suggested that European societies, as more developed and superior, had the right and duty to bring their perceived benefits, such as Christianity, education, and sports, to colonized societies. The assumption was that European intervention was necessary for the progress of these societies, despite often resulting in exploitation and suppression of local cultures. Early anthropology contributed to this ethnocentric view by suggesting hypothetical stages of societal development, ultimately aiming to mirror the European ideal of civilization.

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