Anthropology vs Sociology
Although both Anthropology and Sociology are considered social sciences that study different aspects of humans, there are some differences between the two. These two subjects study human behavior, culture, and interactions with society. Anthropologists tend to focus on tribes and cultures of colonized people, while sociologists work with western, urban societies.
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology studies humans in their entirety, with broad classifications of subject matter into archeology, physical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Physical anthropology focuses on the study of physical features of humans, such as height, skin color, and body shape. Archeology is concerned with the study of artifacts and tools from below the earth’s surface, revealing information about humans from those times and their interactions with society. Cultural anthropology is the closest to sociology, but there are differences in approach and methodology that justify segregating these two social sciences.
Anthropology is concerned with the study of less advanced cultures, such as tribes in Africa and Asia, while sociology focuses on understanding social structuring in our societies. Anthropology is a broader social science, studying various aspects of humans, from their physical features to the study of their artifacts (archeology).
Key Takeaways
- Anthropology studies humans in their entirety, focusing on tribes and cultures of colonized people.
- Sociology is concerned with understanding social structuring in our societies and the effect of society on individuals and their relationships.
- Anthropology has subdivisions such as physical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archeology, and cultural anthropology, while sociology has a single agenda of studying the effect of society on individuals and their relationships.
What is Sociology?
Both anthropology and sociology attempt to answer questions about humans and their behavior in society. However, in sociology, society is the focus of study. Sociology is the scientific study of societies and social relationships, with the main purpose of gaining insight into human behavior. Sociologists study how and why humans behave in a particular manner in society, and the changes in behavior as a result of being a member of a family, group, society, or religion.
In sociology, complex social processes and the role of social institutions are studied, as well as the idea of social order and its maintenance, the impact of social institutions on people in society, and the concept of social stability. Research plays a key role in exploring and understanding social constructions and the subjective meanings that people associate with understanding society.
What is the Difference Between Anthropology and Sociology?
There are many differences between anthropology and sociology, ranging from subject matter to approach and methodology. While anthropology has subdivisions, such as physical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archeology, and cultural anthropology, sociology has a single focus: the study of the effect of society on individuals and their relationships. The fundamental difference between sociology and anthropology is that while sociologists study societies, anthropologists study cultures.
