What Is Anthropology Careers and What They Study?

Definition

Anthropology is the scientific and humanistic study of humans, encompassing their biological evolution, social customs, languages, and cultural achievements. Those pursuing anthropology careers focus on understanding the human experience across all time periods and geographic locations, utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze how humans interact with their environments and one another.

Overview

Anthropology is categorized as a social science, though it frequently overlaps with the natural sciences (such as biology and geology) and the humanities (such as history and philosophy). People typically search for information on anthropology careers to understand the transition from academic study to professional employment. Because the discipline is broad, it is traditionally divided into four primary subfields: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. This breadth allows professionals to apply their expertise in various sectors, including government, healthcare, international development, and the private corporate sector.

How It Works or How It Is Used

Anthropologists employ a variety of methodologies to gather data. The most distinctive method is ethnography, which involves immersive fieldwork and participant observation—living within a community to understand their internal logic and social structures. In biological anthropology, researchers might use skeletal analysis or genetic sequencing. Archaeologists use stratigraphic excavation to recover material remains.

In a professional context, these methods are used to solve real-world problems. For example, a corporate anthropologist might use ethnographic interviews to understand how users actually interact with a piece of software, leading to better product design. A forensic anthropologist might use skeletal analysis to help law enforcement identify human remains in a criminal investigation. A cultural anthropologist might work with an NGO to ensure that a health initiative is culturally appropriate for a specific indigenous population.

Key Features or Characteristics

• Holism: The defining characteristic of anthropology is its holistic approach, meaning it looks at the “big picture” by integrating biological, social, and historical data to explain human behavior.
• Cultural Relativism: This is the principle that a person’s beliefs and activities should be understood based on their own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture.
• Comparative Perspective: Anthropologists compare different societies and time periods to identify universal human patterns versus culturally specific traits.
• Fieldwork Emphasis: Unlike some social sciences that rely heavily on surveys or laboratory experiments, anthropology emphasizes direct, long-term engagement with the subject of study in their natural environment.

Examples

To understand the diversity of anthropology, consider these specific applications:

• Archaeology: An anthropologist excavating an ancient Mayan city to understand how urban planning influenced social hierarchy and agricultural production.
• Biological Anthropology: A primatologist studying the social structures of chimpanzees to draw parallels with early human social evolution.
• Linguistic Anthropology: A researcher studying how the use of specific dialects in a workplace affects power dynamics and professional advancement.
• Applied/Corporate Anthropology: An anthropologist hired by a global tech company to study how different cultures perceive “privacy,” which informs the global rollout of a new digital device.

History and Background

Anthropology emerged as a formal discipline in the 19th century, initially rooted in the desire of European colonial powers to document and understand the “exotic” cultures they encountered. Early anthropology was often descriptive and sometimes biased by the era’s racial theories. However, the early 20th century saw a shift toward more scientific and ethical approaches, led by figures such as Franz Boas, who emphasized the importance of cultural relativism and the rejection of scientific racism.

Throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, the field expanded to include the study of “industrialized” societies (urban anthropology) and developed a deeper focus on the relationship between language and thought. Today, the field is increasingly interdisciplinary, incorporating genomic science and digital ethnography to study humans in the age of the internet.

Why It Matters

Anthropology is critical because it provides the tools to navigate an increasingly globalized world. By understanding the deep-seated cultural drivers behind human behavior, anthropologists help prevent cross-cultural misunderstandings that can lead to conflict. In the medical field, anthropology helps doctors understand why certain populations may resist specific treatments, leading to more effective public health outcomes.

Furthermore, it provides a necessary check on “universal” assumptions. By demonstrating that there are many ways to organize a society, raise children, or conceive of time, anthropology encourages tolerance and intellectual flexibility. In the business world, it prevents companies from making costly mistakes by ensuring products are designed for the actual needs of the user rather than the assumptions of the designer.

Common Misconceptions