Career in Cultural Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans and their cultural, biological, and environmental angle of life in the past and in the present. It is one of 4 areas of study in the broader field of Anthropology (Archaeology, Physical or Biological Anthropology, and Linguistics being the other three). Cultural anthropologists specialize in the study of culture and peoples’ beliefs, practices, and social organization of human groups. It studies how people who have a common cultural system organize and shape the physical and social world around them. In this blog, we will understand importance of cultural anthropology.

Explore: How to become an Anthropologist?

Cultural Anthropology Definition

Anthropology gives the possibility to study every aspect of human existence. It is the window into the unknown. Anthropology provides the answer to our questions about ourselves, our past, present and future and it helps us to connect with everyone from around the globe. If culture fosters a more extroverted personality style, we can expect more need for social interaction. Additionally, Individualistic cultures foster more assertive and outspoken behavior. When the general population encourages these gregarious behaviors, more ideas are exchanged and self-esteem increases. Cultural Anthropology helps us to study all about human culture and behaviour.

Also Read: What is Social Anthropology?

Skills Required for Cultural Anthropology

Let’s see the skills which are required for pursuing Cultural Anthropology. 

• Observant
• Passionate
• Reader
• Dedicated
• Committed
• Interpreter
• Sharp
• Confident
• Leader
• Critique
• Critical Thinking
• Understanding

Top Universities to study Cultural Anthropology

• University of Oxford, UK
• University of Cambridge, UK
• Harvard University, USA
• University of California, Berkeley
• UCL, UK
• University of Michigan, USA
• Australian National University, Australia
• University of Chicago
• LSE, UK

Top Universities to study Cultural Anthropology in India

Let’s look at the top colleges in India for Cultural Anthropology

• Hansraj College, University of Delhi.
• Hindu College, University of Delhi.
• Panjab University, Chandigarh.
• Ashoka University, Sonipat.
• Symbiosis School of Liberal Art, Pune.
• Vidyasagar University, West Bengal

Check out: Anthropology Syllabus

Cultural Anthropology Book

1. Geertz, C., 1973, The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
2. Lévi-Strauss, C., 1955, Tristes tropiques. Librairie Plon.
3. Malinowski, B., 1922, Argonauts of the Western Pacific. E.P. Dutton.
4. Mauss, M., 1950[1923-24], Essai sur le don. Forme et raison de l’échange dans les sociétés archaïques. Presses Universitaires de France.
5. Appadurai, A., 1996, Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. University of Minnesota Press.
6. Boas, F., 1911, The Mind of Primitive Man. MacMillan.
7. Tylor, E.B., 1871, Primitive Culture. John Murray.
8. Mead, M., 1928, Coming of Age in Samoa. William Morrow and Co.
9. Evans-Pritchard, E.E., 1937, Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic among the Azande. Oxford University Press.
10. Douglas, M., 1966, Purity and Danger. Routledge & Kegan Paul.

Future Scope In Cultural Anthropology

There are a lot of job opportunities for Cultural Anthropology. Such as :-

• Anthropologist
• Data Scientist
• Professor
• Researcher
• Lecturer
• Sociologist
• Archaeologist
• Human Resources
• Talent Acquisition

Also Read: MA Anthropology

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