Anthropologists trace the origin and evolutionary development of man by studying the changed physical characteristics and cultural, social institutions. ‘Anthropology (‘Anthro’) is a study of universalities and uniqueness, a study of startling contrast and surprising similarity, a study of meaning and logic in what seems bizarre’ according to Roger Keesing and Felix Keesing.
This branch of science is concerned with man in time and space. Here ‘time’ means the stage of development of man in the process of evolution (sociocultural) during different periods of time, while ‘space’ refers to the differentiation of physical and cultural types in modern man living in different environs all over the globe. Thus, Anthropology has two principal focuses, human evolution and variation (physical as well as cultural).
Anthropological data is used for understanding of human relations in trans cultural and foreign relations, industrial relations, ethnic and racial influences, political administration, social welfare, education and public health.
Nature of Work
Study of Anthropology tells us about man’s behaviour from different angles in order to generate authentic theoretical knowledge about man. In its attempt for studying various dimensions of man’s existence and behaviour, anthropologists pursue specialised branches. Some of the elementary branches are:
-- Physical Anthropology
-- Archaeological Anthropology
-- Socio-Cultural Anthropology
-- Linguistic Anthropology
-- Applied Anthropology
Physical anthropology
Physical anthropologist is concerned with man as a physical organism, with his place in the scheme of biological evolution. He deals with the classification of early forms of man, the physical difference between the races of the species, homo species, human genetics, modes of physiological adaptation and reaction to different physical environments.
Physical anthropologists apply their training to forensic or genetic study. Medical anthropologists study the effects of heredity and environment and use this knowledge to study cultural attitudes toward health and nutrition to advise on health schemes urban and rural.
Physical anthropologists have studied extensively the social organisation, dietary and other behaviours of primates to understand human behaviour, motivation and human origin. Currently anthropological study is contributing towards conservation issues.
Archaeological anthropologist
Archaeological Anthropologists investigate and analyse remains of early human activity e.g bones or material objects shaped by people. Prehistoric archaeologists’ main task is to dig up, identify and classify these relics to compare them with material from other areas and to determine the chronological sequences in which they occurred. This is historical construction based on non literary evidences. Prehistoric archaeologists study cultures that existed prior to the period of recorded history while historical archaeologists study more recent societies.
Socio-cultural anthropologist
Socio cultural anthropologists study both current and extinct societies study human behaviour, religion, language, politics, social structure and tradition, mythology, art and intellectual growth. The main areas of study relate to historical, social and cultural development. The study often relates to particular societies - their traditions and values.They also deal with associations, bands, tribes, communities or the manner in which people collect themselves and form groups. They study about people and their ways of life. They apply this knowledge for cross cultural communications and understanding of cultural evolution of races.
Linguistic anthropologist
Linguistic anthropologists work very much like cultural anthropologists.They focus on language to understand a society and its culture. Linguistic anthropology is particularly relevant for the study of gender relations, education and politics. Linguistics are mainly concerned with the study of how language, particularly written, is constructed and structured. Linguistic anthropologists study both unwritten and written languages.
Applied anthropologist
Anthropologists have helped governmental agencies in the area of birth control, malnutrition, growth, medicine, juvenile delinquency, agricultural methods and practices, tribal welfare and rehabilitation and above all in solving industrial problems of labour unrest.
Work Environment
Anthropologists work in educational libraries as well as in the field. Fieldwork entails working in difficult and remote areas. Physical stamina and the ability to adapt to difficult situations is required. Archaeological anthropologists work at excavation sites. Long working hours and primitive living conditions are not uncommon. Socio-cultural anthropologists work in corporate/consultancy offices.
Personal Characteristics
Anthropologists work mainly in projects taken up by museums and universities for archaeological investigations, biological evolutionary studies and other research areas including languages. Students taking this profession should have interest in history, various cultures and customs of tribal and communities. Those working with Government organisation in demography, agricultural practices, tribal welfare and human resource development require good language ability, a logical mind and good memory. Ability to work on a task away in forests, in habitated areas for long hours and over a long period with sustained interest in the job is important job entails working with details.
Employment Avenues
Job opportunities are available with International organisations like WHO, UNICEF, UN volunteer programmes, non Government organisations working for development of tribal areas/backward areas, medical research establishments working on nutrition/preventive medicine, human resources department of large firms for cross cultural communication training of managers. Universities and museums for Archaeological surveys & research and biological surveys employ archaeologists.
It is expected that most new jobs in the coming decades will be non teaching positions in consulting firms, research institutes, media,corporations and the government. Growing awareness about environmental issues, historic and cultural variations of various nations and the need to preserve traditions has created job opportunities in a variety of related organisations.
Study/Training
Anthropologists come from humanities or science backgrounds, hence graduation can be pursued in both BSc/BA streams. These are 3 year courses followed by specialization at post graduation level of 2 yrs.
