What are Sociology and Anthropology?
They are both distinct areas of study, with separate histories and different ways of looking at the world.
While sociology and anthropology have different emphases—one examines social structures, the other focuses on culture—there is much that they have in common. Both look at the "big picture," are interested in the way society influences people's lives, and strive to promote understanding. So how do they fit into daily life, and why should we study them? Let’s take a closer look at their similarities and differences.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. In the words of C. Wright Mills, sociology looks for the "public issues" that underlie "private troubles." Sociology differs from popular notions of human behavior in that it uses systematic, scientific methods of investigation and questions many of the common sense and taken-for-granted views of our social world. Sociological thinking involves taking a closer look at our social world and recognizing that most often things are not necessarily what they seem. A sociologist understands unemployment, for example, not as the problem of one person who can't find a job, but as the interaction of economic, political, and social forces that determine the number of jobs and who has access to them.
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is a broad, holistic study of human beings and includes the subfields of archaeology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Anthropologists study human beings from a very broad and comparative perspective. We are interested in human experience around the world, past and present. Cultural anthropologists study cultures—from our own culture to those different from our own — by living in the culture and gaining the insider's point of view.
Get more information about studying sociology and anthropology at Gustavus Adolphus.
Exploring Anthropology vs Sociology: Differences in Social Sciences
While anthropology and sociology are quite similar in ways, they also branch out to include concepts that are completely separate — yet still complementary. As you delve deeper into your research about the two, you may be particularly drawn to one. Let’s look at some of the differences between anthropology and sociology.
Difference between Sociology and Anthropology
- Anthropology has a much wider scope than sociology. Anthropology studies every facet of human societies, including their culture, biology, and history. In contrast, sociology focuses much more specifically on the social aspects of human behavior.
- The time period covered by each specialty differs as well. Anthropology studies history to answer questions about the future, studying historical civilizations to make predictions and gain perspective on what the future may hold. On the other hand, sociologists focus on contemporary issues, including the way societies currently interact with one another — and why.
- Anthropologists and sociologists use vastly different methods. Anthropologists study human societies using a variety of techniques, including fieldwork, observation, and archival research. While sociologists use these methods as well, they also rely on quantitative measures; for example, surveys and other statistical analysis.
- There are also different levels of analysis within each specialty. Anthropology is honed in on human behavior at the individual level. Sociology focuses on the behavior of groups and their relations with current social structures.
Understanding Anthropology: Cultural and Social Aspects of Human Societies
Anthropology is a wide-ranging field that includes the study of human biology, culture, and society. Anthropologists use a variety of methods to study human beings, including fieldwork, participant observation, and archival research.
Anthropology provides a broad understanding of human beings. It is a holistic discipline that studies all aspects of human beings, from their biology to their culture. This gives us a deep understanding of what it means to be human. By studying persons from a variety of social and cultural situations, anthropology helps us to understand both our own cultures and societies as well as those of others.
In the real world, anthropology helps us to solve problems in a variety of fields, including education, healthcare, and business. For example, anthropologists can help to design healthcare programs that are culturally sensitive, or to develop educational materials that are effective in different cultures.
The World of Sociology: Political and Cultural Approaches
Sociology is centered on the structure of specific social groups, societies, and organizations. Sociologists study the ways people interact within these groups. As a sociologist, you’ll analyze everything from brief interactions between random people in public to social topics affecting people worldwide.
When viewed through a sociological lens, you will make new connections in your world, linking things as disparate as relationships, family, work, crime and the law, social mobility, societal problems, and countless other behaviors.
The broad range of paths you could specialize in within the broader umbrella of sociology lets you choose a unique pathway to a professional career that’s tailor-made to your interests and abilities. Sociologists work in social service and activism, community outreach, criminal justice, and urban planning. Skills you’ll learn in sociology also apply to positions in ministry, higher education administration, nonprofit management, and more.
Get more information about studying sociology and anthropology at Gustavus Adolphus.
Sociology and Anthropology at the College Level
For those interested in taking their knowledge of anthropology and sociology to the next level, your next step is choosing a college program. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Gustavus Adolphus offers major, minor, and Honors degree programs in Sociology and Anthropology. Even better, Gustavus lets you take part in both areas of study seamlessly.
Having two disciplines in one department allows us to offer unique learning opportunities. Our curriculum includes a number of courses that combine sociological and anthropological thinking, including courses on social movements, health and healing, global interdependence, religion, family, and social justice. This empowers students at Gustavus to develop a better understanding of the social world we live in through a variety of study abroad, internships, and volunteer activities.
Deepen Your Understanding of Society and Culture at Gustavus Adolphus
Whether you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology or you’re simply interested in learning more about these disciplines, working with Gustavus’s top-notch faculty ensures that you’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action, no matter what your future may hold. Start expanding your world at Gustavus Adolphus College today.
Get more information about studying sociology and anthropology at Gustavus Adolphus.