What is Anthropology?

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

Why Study Anthropology?  To analyse and understand diverse cultures and societies of the contemporary world. A lot of hate and differences comes from intolerance and not understanding.  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  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  new product or idea (PC’s and interaction  External 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