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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.
