What Does an Anthropologist Do?

I'm interested in possibly studying anthropology, but I'm unsure about the type of work anthropologists engage in. What sort of research or projects do they typically handle, and where do they usually work? Are there different branches within the field?

Anthropologists study human societies, cultures, and their development over time, and their work can span a broad range of topics depending on their specific area of focus. Anthropology is typically divided into four main sub-disciplines: sociocultural anthropology, biological or physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology.

1. Sociocultural anthropologists study cultural variation among people and examine social norms, cultural practices, and interrelationships within and between societies. They might research topics like social inequality, gender dynamics, religious beliefs, or economic systems.

2. Biological or physical anthropologists study the evolutionary history of humans and focus on understanding human biological variation, evolution, and primatology. They might investigate human and primate evolution, genetic variation, or human adaptability to environmental stressors.

3. Archaeologists study past societies through the examination of material remains such as artifacts, structures, and landscapes. They can work on sites ranging from ancient civilizations to modern urban settings.

4. Linguistic anthropologists study the role of language in social life and how it influences cultural understanding. They may look into how language is used in various cultural contexts, the evolution of language, or the relationship between language and culture.

Anthropologists work in different settings including universities, research institutions, non-profit organizations, corporations, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations. They often conduct fieldwork, which could involve traveling to specific sites to collect data or living within communities they are studying.

One of the beautiful aspects of anthropology is the breadth of topics you can explore. Whether it's the impact of global economic changes on small communities, or the shifting dynamics in cultural artifacts, the work of an anthropologist lends crucial insights into understanding humanity's past and present. Just remember, the versatility of this field invites a level of specialization and focus as you delve deeper into it.