Anthropologists study all aspects of human society and culture, past and present. They may study some things about non-human primates. They also may do comparative studies of living or ancient people’s cultures including cultural frameworks, social structures, languages, and biological makeup. This can include studying:
- Material cultural remains (anything made or modified by humans)
- Traditions, beliefs, or customs
- Languages
- Patterns of subsistence and settlement
Their research may focus on cultural beliefs, symbols, kinship, and social organization. Or it may look into religious, economic, political, or legal aspects of society.
Anthropologists use various field methods, techniques, and theoretical approaches to conduct their research. Specialized types of study may involve interviewing, statistical data analysis and interpretation, or scientific techniques. These can include:
- Chronometric dating
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Artifact analysis
- Stratigraphic mapping
More and more, anthropologists use molecular techniques to gather information from both human and non-human primate subjects. For example, they may use hormone, nutritional, or microbiome analyses, and DNA sequencing. They may use DNA to understand modern human populations and non-human primates. They also may apply DNA techniques to learn about past peoples or extinct populations.
Anthropology is divided into four main subfields. Within these subfields, anthropologists may specialize in geographic areas, periods, or populations within a specific region.
- Archaeology is the study of the material culture of human societies. This allows them to describe, reconstruct, and interpret the origin, characteristics, and development of human societies and cultures. They may do this by excavating sites, carbon dating organic artifacts, and conducting residue analysis. They may also work in cultural resource management (CRM) or museums.
- Biological or physical anthropology includes the study of human evolution (palaeoanthropology), the behaviour and biology of non-human primates (primatology), and human skeletal remains. They strive to understand human variation and adaptation as influenced by heredity and environment. Forensic anthropologists use physical anthropology techniques to help police identify and analyze human remains at crime scenes.
- Linguistic anthropology examines the past and present development and use of human languages and communication. Of special interest are language patterns and the way they influence thought and action. Linguistic anthropologists may be involved in community projects to document, preserve, and revive local languages.
- Social or cultural anthropology (or socio-cultural anthropology) studies differences and ways in which humans adapt to their environments, developing culture along the way. Cultural anthropologists may study ancient cultures that still exist in the world today, or they may specialize in specific aspects of modern culture. For example, medical anthropologists examine human health and health systems to understand links between nutrition and environment, or the use of alternative health care. People trained in socio-cultural anthropology often find work as cultural liaisons for development projects in Alberta.
Anthropologists who work for universities typically combine teaching with field work and laboratory research. For more information, see the University Professor occupational profile.
