Anthropology | Definition, Meaning, Branches, History, & Facts | TheCareerHub

What do Anthropologists do?

Anthropologists investigate the origins, development, and behaviour of humans. They study people's cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics all over the world.

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In the following Blog we answer all your questions about becoming an Anthropologist.

Anthropologists' Responsibilities

Anthropologists and archaeologists are known to do the following:

• Plan your cultural research.
• Adapt data collection methods to a specific region, speciality, or project.
• Gather data from observations, interviews, and documents.
• Keep track of and manage field observations Analyze data, laboratory samples, and other sources of information to uncover patterns about human life, culture, and origins
• Prepare reports and present research results
• Provide cultural advice to organisations on the impact of policies, programmes, and products.

Anthropologists investigate the ways of life, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world by drawing on knowledge from the humanities and the social, physical, and biological sciences. They also investigate different cultures' customs, values, and social patterns.

Although anthropologists and archaeologists' equipment varies depending on the task and speciality, it frequently includes excavation and measurement tools, laboratory and recording equipment, statistical and database software, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Archaeologists investigate, recover, and preserve evidence of past human activity. They examine human remains as well as artefacts such as tools, pottery, cave paintings, and building ruins. They combine their discoveries with information about past environments to learn about the history, customs, and lifestyles of people from previous eras.

Archaeologists are also responsible for the management and protection of archaeological sites. Some work in national parks or historical sites, protecting and educating visitors. Others inspect construction sites to ensure that construction plans comply with federal regulations governing site preservation. Archaeologists frequently specialise in a specific geographic area, period, or object of studies, such as animal remains or underwater sites.

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Anthropology is divided into three major branches: biological or physical anthropology, cultural or social anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Biological and physical anthropologists study how the biology of humans and closely related primates is changing. 

Cultural anthropologists investigate the social and cultural ramifications of various human-related issues such as overpopulation, natural disasters, warfare, and poverty. Linguistic anthropology is the study of the origins and evolution of languages.

An increasing number of anthropologists conduct market research for businesses, studying product demand by culture or social group. They may collect data on how a product is used by specific demographic groups using their anthropological background and a variety of techniques such as interviews, surveys, and observations.

Workplace for Anthropologists 

Approximately 8,500 jobs are held by anthropologists and archaeologists. The following are the largest employers of anthropologists and archaeologists:

The work of anthropologists varies depending on the job. Although the majority of anthropologists work in offices, some work in laboratories or the field.

Archaeologists frequently work for cultural resource management (CRM) companies. These companies identify, assess, and preserve archaeological sites while also ensuring that developers and builders follow all regulations pertaining to those sites. Archaeologists also work in museums, historical sites, and government agencies such as the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior.

Anthropologists frequently conduct fieldwork, either in the United States or abroad. Learning foreign languages, living in remote areas, and inspecting and excavating archaeological sites are all examples of fieldwork. Fieldwork usually necessitates long-distance travel (four to eight hours). 

Anthropologist education

Most anthropologists and archaeologists with a master's degree in anthropology or archaeology are qualified for available positions. A typical master's degree programme lasts two years and includes field or laboratory research. One can do the masters degree in the following courses:

• MA Anthropology
• M.Phil. Anthropology
• M.Sc Anthropology
• M.A. Sociology and Social Anthropology

During their graduate programmes, anthropology and archaeology students typically conduct field research, often working abroad or conducting community-based research. Many students also attend archaeological field schools, where they learn how to excavate historical and archaeological sites, as well as how to record and interpret their findings and data. Diploma/ Bachelors degree courses in the field of Anthropology include:

• BA in History
• BA Anthropology
• B.Sc Hons Anthropology
• B.A. Hons. Social Sciences
• B.Sc Anthropology

Although a master's degree is sufficient for many positions, a PhD in Anthropology may be required for jobs requiring advanced technical knowledge and leadership skills. To work internationally, anthropologists and archaeologists typically need a PhD to meet the requirements of foreign governments. A PhD requires years of additional study beyond a master's degree. In addition, PhD students must complete a doctoral dissertation, which typically entails 18 to 30 months of field research and knowledge of a foreign language. 

Field or laboratory technicians or research assistants can work with a bachelor's degree in anthropology or archaeology and work experience gained through an internship or field school.

Best Colleges to pursue the above listed courses are:

1. Miranda House, Delhi 
2. Hindu College, Delhi 
3. Presidency College, Chennai 
4. St. Stephen`s College, Delhi 
5. Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi 
6. Loyola College, Chennai  

Other Anthropologists' Experience

Graduates of anthropology programmes typically require field experience as well as training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Many students gain this experience while still in school through field training or internships with museums, historical societies, or nonprofit organisations.

Important Characteristics of Anthropologists and Archaeologists

Analytical abilities- Anthropologists must be familiar with scientific methods and data, which are frequently used in their research.

Critical-thinking abilities- Anthropologists and archaeologists must be able to draw conclusions based on observations, laboratory experiments, and other research methods. They must be able to synthesise information from various sources to solve problems and answer research questions.

Communication abilities- Anthropologists are frequently required to write reports or papers for academic journals, as well as present their research and findings to peers and general audiences. These activities necessitate excellent writing, speaking, and listening abilities.

Physical endurance- In the field, anthropologists and archaeologists may have to hike or walk several miles carrying equipment to a research site.

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Anthropologist Salary/Pay Scale

Because the nature of job opportunities is so diverse, an anthropologist's salary can vary greatly. In comparison to other professions, the initial salary package in the field of anthropology may not be very lucrative. As a candidate's experience in the industry grows, so do his or her salary and benefits package.

Top Recruiting Firms

Prospects for Anthropologists 

Anthropologists’ employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7% over the next ten years, which is about the same as the national average for all occupations.

Over the next decade, there are expected to be about 800 openings for anthropologists and archaeologists each year. Many of those openings are expected to be created as a result of the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or leave the labour force for other reasons, such as retirement.

Anthropologists are employed.

Corporations will continue to conduct anthropological research to better understand consumer demand within specific cultures or social groups. Anthropologists will also be required to analyse markets, allowing businesses to better serve their customers or target new customers or demographic groups.

Archaeologists will be required to ensure that builders, museums, and other organisations adhere to federal regulations governing the preservation and handling of archaeological and historical artefacts.

Because anthropological and archaeological research may rely on research funding, federal budgetary decisions can have an impact on the rate of research employment growth.

Advantages of Becoming an Anthropologist

Anthropologists have high earning potential because their work varies greatly depending on the position, employment, and experience.

It is a very stable field, and anthropologists can find work in nearly every field. They can work for private agencies, corporate sectors, businesses, individuals, and other organisations.

Anthropologists have a very rewarding job because their goal is to understand different people and cultures.

It's one of those jobs where you can experiment and figure out how to put the puzzle pieces together.