Anthropology Vs.

Sociology
Sociology and Anthropology are social science disciplines that focus on studying
the behavior of humans within their societies. Students interested in researching
civilizations -- past and present -- as they relate to social hierarchies should consider
studying anthropology and sociology. Many institutions combine both disciplines
into one department due to the similarities between the two. The key difference
between the two social sciences is that sociology concentrates on society while
anthropology focuses on culture. Definitions
Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human
behavior. Columbia University notes that sociological thinking involves the relationships among
people -- or more specifically, the associations between people and the products of human interaction
such as organizations, technologies, economies, cities, culture, media and religion.
The American Anthropological Association defines anthropology as the study of humans, past and
present. Anthropological viewpoints are inspired by observing cross-cultural differences in social
institutions, cultural beliefs and communication styles.
Focus Areas
Anthropologists are concerned with four concentration areas that include cultural anthropology,
archaeology, linguistic anthropology and biological anthropology. Anthropologists often integrate the
perspectives of several of these areas into their research, teaching and professional lives.
Anthropologists are interested in researching issues such as the ritual of female genital mutilation in
Sudan.
The American Sociological Associations describes the work of sociologists as interesting and
complex because sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how
people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of
sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious
traditions, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common
culture.
Careers in Anthropology
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for anthropologists should increase
by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020. Due to the small number of positions expected to be available, the
BLS warns that competition among applicants will be extremely stiff. Most anthropologist positions
require a master's or doctoral degree. Anthropologists occupy positions in a variety of academic and
nonacademic environments. Anthropologists serve as college faculty, program directors with
government and nonprofit agencies or museum curators. Some anthropologists secure jobs working
with police departments to assist with identifying mysterious or unknown remains. A study
commissioned by The American Anthropological Association titled, "The Changing Face of
Anthropology," indicated that 30 percent of the anthropology majors surveyed revealed they are
working in positions that require education related to the discipline.
Careers in Sociology
Employment for sociologists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020. The number of
available jobs will far exceed applicants. Most sociologist positions require a master's degree or
Ph.D. Most sociologists work as professors, policy analysts, urban planners, program supervisors,
research directors or human resources managers. The American Sociological Association has
continuously reported over the last couple of years that the job market for sociologists is one the rise.
At one point over the course of the last couple of years, the ASA observed a 32-percent increase in
positions available in its job bank.
Sociology and Anthropology
•Syllabus Outline
I. Principles and Foundation of Sociology and Anthropology
II. The Person and the Society
III. The Social Institutions
IV. Social Changes

Anthropology
Etymological
Definition
•“anthropos”
(Greek) = “man”
•“logos”(Greek) =“study”
Essential
Definition
•Brach of knowledge which deals with the scientific study of man, his works, body, behavior
and values within a specific time and space.

Anthropology
•“scientific”
–physical, subject to time and space
–human evolution
–fossils of man
–geographical population processes of change archeological and prehistoric

Anthropology
•“…man’s works, body, behavior and values”
–Discovers when, where and why humans appeared on earth
–Why there are variations in physical features
–Ancient customs and practices
•“Man”
–Focal point of anthropological investigation and analysis
–Regardless of color, affiliation, belief, technology
•”Man”
–works and achievements
•Arts
•Architecture
•Technology
•Sculpture
•Literature
•Music
Anthropology

–How and why man have changed

–How and why societies across culture and time have different customary ideas and practices
–Belief, politics, religion, social life, aesthetics, health

Branches of Anthropology

 Physical – racial history, paleontology, human genetics.

 Cultural – ethnography, ethnology, social anthropology.
 Archeology
 Linguistic

1. Physical/biological Anthropology

– Paleontology (origin of man)

– Evolution of race
– Racial classifications
– Racial differentiations(human genetics)
– Biology + culture

2. Cultural Anthropology

– Social heritage and customs

– Technology
– Economic life community organizations
– Family life
– Secret societies
– Government
– Law
– Religion
– Arts