Anthropologist
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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An anthropologist is a scholar who works in anthropology, the study of humans: their culture, society, language, body and distant history. The work rests on comparison: the way of life of one group studied is compared with another, so as to understand what is universal about humanity and what is particular to a place.
The term comes from ancient Greek: anthropos (human) and logos (knowledge, speech). Anthropologists work in universities, museums, international organizations, companies and development projects. Some conduct fieldwork, while others prepare reports on societies for policymakers.
Branches of the discipline
Anthropology is conventionally divided into several branches. Cultural or social anthropology studies customs, religion, kinship, family relations and economic systems. Biological or physical anthropology studies changes in the human body, bones and heredity. Archaeology works with material remains left by earlier peoples. Linguistic anthropology examines how language and society shape each other.
Methods of work
The most common method is ethnography: a scholar spends an extended period living with a group, learning their language and taking part in their daily life. This is known as participant observation. Data are gathered through interviews, life histories, photography and audio recording, and study of documents. Physical anthropologists and archaeologists use laboratory tools: dating techniques, analysis of bones, and genetic testing.
Ethical considerations
Because the work depends on information from specific people, there are ethical rules: informed consent, protection of names, and ensuring that data do not harm the group. Historically, this discipline was tainted by its links to colonialism—some colonial governments used anthropological reports to ease administration. This has prompted ongoing debate about how knowledge is produced and whom it serves.
Contemporary applications
Anthropologists today work on current issues: migration, urbanization, public health, climate change and technology. Applied anthropology uses knowledge to design services, health programs and aid schemes. Technology companies have also hired anthropologists to understand how users adopt tools.