Anthropologist

— Alfred L. Kroeber

What is anthropology?

Anthropology is thus a study of the history of the development of human beings.

Who is an anthropologist?

Anthropologists are essentially involved in research around development of mankind. As this is a very vast field, anthropologists are involved in various sub-fields depending upon their specialization like Socio-cultural Anthropology, Prehistoric Anthropology or Archaeology, Physical or Biological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology and Applied Anthropology.

Socio-cultural Anthropology deals with groups and community formation and development of cultures.

Prehistoric-Anthropology or Archaeology attempts to reconstruct history on the basis of relics like statues, bones, coins and other historical artifacts. Such discoveries help to reconstruct early history and social customs and traditions. Archaeologists also try to analyse social activity from such discoveries.

Physical or Biological Anthropology deals with physical or biological characteristics of the primate order, like, humans and the links with other primates like chimpanzees, gorillas and monkeys.

Applied Anthropology uses the information collected from other branches of anthropology and then uses this data in programmes like large scale initiatives for birth control, health treatment, reducing malnutrition, solving labour problems in industries, improving agricultural practices and helping in tribal rehabilitation.

Linguistic Anthropology deals with origin and construction of oral well as written languages.