Major Branches of Anthropology and Their Real-World Relevance
Anthropology deals with the study of human beings and their cultures, from prehistoric times to today's modern times. Anthropologists are the people to study and deal with the various different subjects that come under Anthropology.
Anthropologists often study, compare and try to determine the similarities and dissimilarities among different human communities from all around the world and even among different communities which evolved along the timeline or history of several countries. By doing this, anthropologists hope to increase their knowledge about certain community band groups and also about humanity as a whole.
Anthropology Logo
A few examples of logos resembling Anthropology are :
An Example of Anthropology Logo
Another Example of Anthropology Logo
Types of Anthropology
Anthropology can be subdivided into two main divisions:
Physical Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology.
While physical anthropology deals with the study of physical features of human beings, on the other hand cultural anthropology examines different types of human cultures.
Both of the above mentioned types of anthropology may also include the study of prehistoric, ancient, and modern humans.
Physical Anthropology
Physical anthropology is closely related to another science named biology as it involves studying the differences in physical features of human beings.
Physical Anthropologists often study human genes ( traits which are passed down from parents to their children). It may also involve studying the shape, size, and structure of different body parts or properties such as blood types.
Physical anthropologists may compare the different physical features among people belonging to different geographic areas, or they may also examine the physical differences between humans and other animals, such as apes. They may also study the remains of prehistoric humans to learn more about human origins, trying to decrypt how and when modern humans developed.
Cultural Anthropology
Cultural anthropology is closely related to a science named social science which is a field of study involving different human societies.
Cultural anthropologists study several different aspects of human cultures, both in different places and different times.
Their study may include the art, language, religion, clothing, customs, and social structure of a social society.
Cultural Anthropologists mainly try to study the meaning behind the practices and customs of any society.
What Does An Anthropologist Do?
Let us first answer the question of who is an Anthropologist : An Anthropologist is a person who has mastered the science of Anthropology and hence studies the science in detail.
Now let us move on to our main focus, What does an Anthropologist do :
Some areas which Anthropologists study are:
Sociocultural Anthropology
It seeks to understand the internal logic of different societies.
Archaeology
It involves Retrieving different artefacts from the past in order to understand our history better.
Biological Anthropology
It involves the study of human and non-human primates like apes to study evolution.
Linguistic Anthropology
This field of Anthropology seeks to explain the very nature of language and its use by human beings.
Forensic Anthropology
This involves identifying skeletal, or otherwise decomposed human remains to study their origin.
Visual Anthropology
Documenting everyday life through filmmaking as a history for the future generations.
Museum Anthropology
It involves interpreting the research and evidence collected to date to the general public.
Summary
Anthropology is the study of human beings including their physical features, genetic information and their behaviour and social interactions. It also involves studying different societies and cultural groups. The two main subdivisions of Anthropology are Physical Anthropology and Cultural Anthropology. An Anthropologist is a person who has mastered in the subject of Anthropology and thus studies several different sub subjects of the science such as Biological Anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, visual anthropology, etc.
Sample Questions
Complete the statements that follow by filling in the blanks with the most suitable answers:
1. Physical Anthropology is similar to another science namely __________
Biology
2. Using filmmaking as a way to store today's information for future purposes is known as ____________.
Visual Anthropology.
FAQs on Types of Anthropology: Definitions, Examples & Applications
1. What are the main branches of anthropology?
Anthropology is broadly divided into four main branches that help us understand humans from different perspectives:
- Cultural Anthropology: Studies the customs, beliefs, and social structures of living communities.
- Biological (or Physical) Anthropology: Focuses on human evolution, genetics, and the biology of our species, including our primate relatives.
- Archaeology: Examines past human societies by studying the material remains they left behind, such as tools, pottery, and buildings.
- Linguistic Anthropology: Investigates the role of language in human social life and how it has evolved over time.
2. Can you give a simple example for each type of anthropology?
Certainly! Here are some simple, real-world examples:
- A cultural anthropologist might live in a small village to understand its unique traditions and family structures.
- A biological anthropologist might study fossilised skeletons to see how human posture changed over millions of years.
- An archaeologist might excavate the ruins of an ancient city to learn about its economy and how people lived.
- A linguistic anthropologist might study how teenagers use slang and social media to create new ways of communicating.
3. How is anthropology different from sociology? They seem similar.
That's a great question, as they do overlap! The main difference is in their scope and methods. Anthropology takes a broad, holistic view of humanity across all time and places, often using qualitative methods like long-term observation (ethnography). Sociology, on the other hand, typically concentrates on the structures and dynamics within a specific, modern society, often using quantitative methods like surveys and statistics.
4. Is anthropology just about digging up old bones and fossils?
No, that's a common misconception! While studying fossils is a key part of biological anthropology and archaeology, it's only one piece of the puzzle. Other anthropologists study living cultures, modern languages, and even corporate behaviour. The field is very broad and looks at all aspects of what it means to be human, both past and present.
5. Why is it important to study the different types of anthropology?
Studying the different branches of anthropology is important because it gives us a complete picture of the human experience. It helps us understand human diversity, appreciate different cultures, and learn from our shared past. This knowledge can help solve real-world problems related to public health, international relations, and social inequality.
6. How does studying climate change in the past help us understand human evolution?
Studying past climate changes is crucial for understanding human evolution. It shows us how our ancestors were forced to adapt to new environments. For example, a shift from forests to grasslands may have encouraged bipedalism (walking on two legs) and the development of new tools for hunting. This helps explain how environmental pressures shaped our bodies and behaviours over millions of years.
7. What kind of modern jobs use anthropology?
Anthropological skills are highly valued in many modern fields. Anthropologists work in:
- User Experience (UX) Research: Helping tech companies understand how people interact with their products.
- Marketing and Advertising: Understanding consumer culture and behaviour.
- Public Health: Designing health programs that are culturally sensitive and effective.
- Human Resources: Improving workplace culture and diversity.
