INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY
We may have heard about the different aspects of human
life. The Biological origin, evolution and variations were studied in
Biology. Cutural variations in terms of food habis,belief systems,dress
patterns,political systems, etc.were discussed in different social science
subjects. But meaningful understanding of human beings requires an
analysis of both biological and social peculiarities n an integrated way.
Athropology looks at these aspects with a unique and holistic
perspective.
Etymology and Definitions of Anthropology
The word ‘Anthropology’ is derived from two Greek words
‘anthropos’ means ‘human’ and ‘logos’ means ‘study’ or ‘science’.
Thus ,anthropology can be understood as the study or science of human
beings.
Popular definitions of Anthropology
‘’Anthropology is the science of man’’ -A.L.Kreober
‘’Anthropology’’ is the study of man and his works’’ -Melville J
Herskovits
‘’Out of all the sciemces which study various aspects of
man,anthropology
is the one of which comes nearest to the total study of man’’ -Clyde
Kluckhohn
, ‘’Anthropology is the scientific study of the physical,social and
cultural development and behaviuor of human being since their
appearance on earth’’ -M.Jacob and B.T. Stern
Relevance of Anthropology
Aanthropology, as we found earlier, embraces all the areas of
human life. Moreover, the anthropological understandings can be
applied at various levels o human life. In anthropology we study about
human beings of all times, places, and types. Hence anthropologists are
keen to examine the life of even the most isolated, simple, tribal
communities, who are otherwise not considered properly. Let us
examine the importance of anthropology in detail.
Learning of anthropology enables students to have a holistic
approach. It shares different areas of natural and social ciences. The
geographical field is anthropology is gobal. But in terms of time, it
extends to millions of years in past. It examines the evolutionary and
historical changes and shares the concern ofour shared future. The
study of anthropology helps the students to develop intellectually,
personally and professionally. Anthropological studies being a part of
the study of cultures and life style of unfamiliar societies cultivate
critical thinking and kills in students. Anthropology prmotes a cross
cutural perspective. It allows to see ourselves as part of one human
family.
Different Branches of Anthropology
Anthropology is a holistic study. To understand its holistic nature,
it is important to know the major fields / branches of Anthropology. The
branch of anthropology the examines human biological features,is
called Biological anthropology. Social cultural Anthropology examines
the social and cultural pecularities of human life. Another area of
anthropological interests is the study of pre historic culture of human
being which come under Archaological Anthropology. Liguistic
We may have heard about the different aspects of human
life. The Biological origin, evolution and variations were studied in
Biology. Cutural variations in terms of food habis,belief systems,dress
patterns,political systems, etc.were discussed in different social science
subjects. But meaningful understanding of human beings requires an
analysis of both biological and social peculiarities n an integrated way.
Athropology looks at these aspects with a unique and holistic
perspective.
Etymology and Definitions of Anthropology
The word ‘Anthropology’ is derived from two Greek words
‘anthropos’ means ‘human’ and ‘logos’ means ‘study’ or ‘science’.
Thus ,anthropology can be understood as the study or science of human
beings.
Popular definitions of Anthropology
‘’Anthropology is the science of man’’ -A.L.Kreober
‘’Anthropology’’ is the study of man and his works’’ -Melville J
Herskovits
‘’Out of all the sciemces which study various aspects of
man,anthropology
is the one of which comes nearest to the total study of man’’ -Clyde
Kluckhohn
, ‘’Anthropology is the scientific study of the physical,social and
cultural development and behaviuor of human being since their
appearance on earth’’ -M.Jacob and B.T. Stern
Relevance of Anthropology
Aanthropology, as we found earlier, embraces all the areas of
human life. Moreover, the anthropological understandings can be
applied at various levels o human life. In anthropology we study about
human beings of all times, places, and types. Hence anthropologists are
keen to examine the life of even the most isolated, simple, tribal
communities, who are otherwise not considered properly. Let us
examine the importance of anthropology in detail.
Learning of anthropology enables students to have a holistic
approach. It shares different areas of natural and social ciences. The
geographical field is anthropology is gobal. But in terms of time, it
extends to millions of years in past. It examines the evolutionary and
historical changes and shares the concern ofour shared future. The
study of anthropology helps the students to develop intellectually,
personally and professionally. Anthropological studies being a part of
the study of cultures and life style of unfamiliar societies cultivate
critical thinking and kills in students. Anthropology prmotes a cross
cutural perspective. It allows to see ourselves as part of one human
family.
Different Branches of Anthropology
Anthropology is a holistic study. To understand its holistic nature,
it is important to know the major fields / branches of Anthropology. The
branch of anthropology the examines human biological features,is
called Biological anthropology. Social cultural Anthropology examines
the social and cultural pecularities of human life. Another area of
anthropological interests is the study of pre historic culture of human
being which come under Archaological Anthropology. Liguistic
