Anthropology Vs. Sociology
Anthropology and sociology are similar fields, as the both study how and why people behave the way they do and how these patterns affect social life. The main difference between the two sciences is that sociologists study society while anthropologists study culture.
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Definitions
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According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, sociology is the "the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings." According to the same source, anthropology is "the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture."
Educational Differences
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Sociology students take courses in social problems, criminology, culture, race, gender and ethnicity. Anthropology students study human evolution, cross-cultural issues, rituals and myths, and cultural history. To work as a professional sociologist or anthropologist, typically you need a graduate degree.
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Careers
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Anthropologists work in corporations, government, universities and non-profits. The federal government employs many anthropologists in international development, cultural resource management, and forensic anthropology.
Sociologists work in a variety of settings as well. They work in academia (teaching/research), in corporations and think tanks, or independently as organizational consultants.
Types
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Anthropology specialties include sociocultural, linguistic, environmental, and medical anthropology. Areas of sociology specializations include families, urban communities, health, aging, economics, ethnicity, sex and gender, and crime.
Similarities
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Sociology and anthropology typically are part of the same academic department in universities. They are similar fields that take different perspectives on the study of human and social behavior.
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