The word anthropology comes from the Greek word anthropos (human), and logia (study). It makes sense then, that anthropologists are scientists who want to explore, study, and understand humankind.
Anthropologists study people via culture, while other social sciences, (such as psychology, engineering and ergonomics), specialize in singular aspects.
Archeologists and anthropologists study earth’s past and present human cultures and languages, along with their remains and artifacts. Through such study, they are often able to reconstruct even the physical appearance of ancient humans. Their discoveries help them examine the origins and behaviors of past societies and cultures from around the world.
Using the knowledge they’ve developed in the field of physical, biological, and social sciences, professionals in the fields of archeology and anthropology uncover details about ancient peoples, such as their societal customs, development, and living standards. A number of anthropologists also study the cultural and social effects of the current issues of human life, such as overcrowded cities, economic disadvantage, and political unrest. Others focus on the evolution and prehistoric life of Homo sapiens.
Archeologists are charged with recovering, examining, and preserving artifacts from past cultures. This may include the analysis of both skeletal remains and items such as pottery, cave paintings, tools, and architectural ruins. Archeologists use these artifacts in conjunction with what they’ve learned about past cultures and environments to discover the conditions, habitats, history, and customs of civilizations.
Apart from their studies, archeologists must also work to preserve ancient sites. Some may manage established archeological or historical sites in national parks, where they also help educate visitors. Others might inspect and assess new building projects to make sure the new construction is in compliance with federal preservation regulations. Archeologists often specialize in a designated time period, geographic location, or subject (such as aquatic sites or the remains of animals).
Specialties
Typically, anthropologists specialize in one specific area of study. Biological or physical anthropology consists of the study of evolution in humans and human relatives, like primates. Biological anthropologists look for the earliest evidence of human existence, then analyze their genetics and biological differences, and how their biology and culture might have influenced each other. Other physical or biological anthropologists study the remains of humans found at archeological sites, to learn what effects disease, nutrition, and other demographical factors may have had on the population. Others choose to pursue opportunities in the field of forensic anthropology in legal or medical applications, where they aid in the analysis and identification of DNA and skeletal remains.
Cultural anthropology is defined as the study of the lives, cultures, and customs of groups and societies. Cultural anthropologists examine all types of societies, from large modern cities to primitive villages. They strive to understand their internal logic, often living in the society they wish to study. This allows them to make observations, collect data, and conduct interviews and surveys of the population.
Linguistic anthropologists study human communications, specifically how language affects and defines different societies. Linguistic anthropologists examine the role language plays in each culture, how it might effect an individual’s experience, and how it may be influenced by cultural and social factors. Linguistic anthropologists typically employ native speakers for their studies, examining languages that are non-European in origin.
Most anthropologists are employed by governments or universities, where they conduct the majority of their research or teach anthropology to college students.
Researchers and professors work indoors year round. They traditionally enjoy a regular schedule of work hours, though at times more than 40 hours per week are required. Much of their time is spent writing reports based on research data and critical thinking related to their field. In addition to teaching and creating course syllabi, professors may also contribute on research teams at major universities.
Social scientists and other anthropologists employed by the government and major firms also benefit from a regular work schedule and light physical demands. They spend most of the day in an office, researching relevant information and preparing reports for their employers. Some social scientists also go into the field to collect data for their research on a given assignment.
Field work is necessary for some types of anthropologists. Archaeologists may travel around the world to uncover artifacts to aid in their research. Physical anthropologists will also travel afar, studying primates in their natural environments. Scientists in these positions must have strong physical stamina and be accustomed to working in a variety of weather conditions and climates.
A person working as an Anthropologist in Kenya typically earns around KSH218,000 per month. Salaries range from KSH107,000 (lowest) to KSH339,000 (highest).
Corporations will continue to use anthropological research to gain a better understanding of consumer demand within specific cultures or social groups. Anthropologists also will be needed to analyze markets, allowing businesses to serve their clients better or to target new customers or demographic groups.
Archeologists will be needed to monitor construction projects, ensuring that builders comply with federal regulations pertaining to the preservation and handling of archeological and historical artifacts.
Because anthropological and archeological research may depend on research funding, federal budgetary decisions can affect the rate of employment growth in research.
Career positions in archeology or anthropology typically require a master’s degree. Master’s programs take about 2 years to complete, and include mandatory field research.
For many positions, a master’s degree will is sufficient, however, technical, educational research or leadership positions may require a Ph.D. Earning a Ph.D. requires several more years of study beyond the 2 years required for a master’s degree. Students must also complete doctoral dissertation – which may require 12 to 30 months of field research.
