What is Anthropology Anthropology What is Anthropology Anthropology

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology What is Anthropology? Ø Anthropology is the broad study of human species and human cultures throughout time. Ø Anthropology begins with a simple idea: - behavior can be understood better when it is seen compared against a full range of human behavior. Ø The comparative method attempts to explain similarities and differences among people in the context of humanity as a whole.

Why Study Anthropology? Ø To analyse and understand diverse cultures and societies of the contemporary world. A lot of hate and differences comes from intolerance and not understanding. Ø Anth. Hopes to bring about understanding and tolerance.

Purpose of Anthro. to give students a better understanding of cultural changes and cultural relations in face of processes such as globalization, multiculturalism, and technological change (to not be judgmental)

to focus on solutions to social, political, economic, and environmental problems.

Anthropologists provide important input in the fields of international development, conflict resolution, resource management, health care, etc.

Examples of career opportunities Anthropologist Program Analyst for immigration policies, international development, environmental protection, cultural heritage and education programs, etc. Public Policy Adviser International Development Officer Consultant Academic Researcher for media productions, organizational publications, etc. Community development adviser Immigration Officer

Examples of career opportunities Human Relations Officer Media Coordinator Diplomat Museum researcher and program development officer Public Relations Specialist Conflict negotiator or advisor Ethics Advisor (e. g. healthcare issues) Teacher Research officer or negotiator for Aboriginal communities Advertising or marketing advisor

Anthropology and Social Change Anthropologists contribute to social change by examining past and present cultures Culture: shared symbols, values, beliefs and behaviours of a society We learn other cultures by SHARING information Participant Observation: live in close proximity to subjects to gather information Immerse themselves in the culture Witness ways of life of cultural group First hand perspective of cultural practices and values Findings then compared to reveal similarities and differences among societies

Anthropology and Social Change Major area of study: how change comes to cultural groups Internal factors Invention External new product or idea (PC’s and interaction factors Diffusion spread of a cultural idea through social contact (migration, war) Example- food Acculturation process of contact, exposure and exchange of ideas = adaptation in both groups