Anthropologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains, and biological characteristics of humans and their ancestors. Anthropology takes a broad approach to understanding the many different aspects of the human experience, including biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. Anthropologists can specialize in one or more of these areas, but they have general familiarity with all of them. Some of the specific things that anthropologists do include:
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Biological Anthropology: Biological anthropologists study the biology of humans, ancient hominins (our extinct ancestors), and primates. They often focus on evolution, such as the advantages of darker skin and curly hair or the development of long-distance running skills.
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Cultural Anthropology: Cultural anthropologists delve into everything related to societies and culture around the world and across time. This could include studying food, fashion, sports, and music or teasing apart how power works or the ways people make meaning. They might spend months or years living with a community and conducting interviews.
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Archaeology: Archaeologists use creative approaches to document and interpret the material remains of human activities. They also investigate spatial distribution and patterns of development through time. Archaeologists dont just scrape away at layers of dirt, but often use chemistry, geology, and remote sensing techniques to gather data.
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Linguistics: Linguistic anthropologists study the ways in which language reflects and shapes social life. They might investigate how language is used to create and maintain social identities, how it changes over time, or how it is related to power and inequality.
Anthropologists can work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and non-profit organizations. They can also work in applied anthropology, which uses the knowledge and methods of anthropology to address real-world problems, such as poverty, discrimination, and environmental degradation.
