Mudabicara.com_ Anthropology is a social science that studies humans from various aspects. This science explains everything from the biology and history of Homo Sapiens to the societal and cultural traits that clearly distinguish humans from other animal species.
Anthropology itself is not only focused on some groups of people but includes all humans not only from one aspect but from all aspects.
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This science takes a broad approach to understanding the many different aspects of the human experience. Usually we call it holism. Holism is a way of looking at a problem or symptom as a unified whole.
Anthropology considers the past to see how human groups lived hundreds or thousands of years ago and what was important to them. It even considers what makes up the biological body and genetics as well as bones, diet, and health.
However, anthropology focuses more on the population which is a single society, the single meaning in this case is the unity of the community living in the same area.
In addition, anthropologists also compare humans with other animals, usually other primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees, to see what humans have in common with them and what makes them unique.
Although almost all humans need the same things to survive, such as food, water, and friendship, the way people fulfill these needs can be very different.
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For example, everyone needs to eat, but people eat different foods and get food in different ways. Basically the science of anthropology is almost similar to the study of sociology , but in sociology it focuses more on aspects of society and its social life.
Before discussing the benefits of studying anthropology, it is better to first know the definition of anthropology. For more, see the following mudabicara reviews :
Anthropology at a glance
Etymologically, anthropology comes from the Greek anthropos which means people or humans and logos which means science. In terminology, anthropology is the systematic study of humanity, with the aim of understanding the origins of evolution, uniqueness as a species, and the great diversity in the forms of human social existence throughout the world.
When referring to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, anthropology is a science that studies the intricacies of humans from various aspects ranging from the evolutionary history of homo sapiens to the characteristics of society, culture that clearly distinguishes humans from other animal species to their biological processes.
According to Cambridge anthropology is the study of the human race, society, culture and physical development. Meanwhile, the Oxford dictionary explains that anthropology is the study of human society and culture and their development.
Due to the diverse scope of study material, anthropology has become a specialized science, especially since the mid-20th century. Anthropological studies are divided into 4 sections including physical anthropology, cultural and social anthropology, linguistic anthropology and psychological anthropology.
1. Physical Anthropology
Physical anthropology is the science of anthropology that deals with the differences in biological processes between Homo sapiens and other species.
2. Social and Cultural Anthropology
Social and Cultural Anthropology is an anthropological science that discusses cultural systems that distinguish people or humans from one another and as well as patterns of social organization associated with cultural systems.
3. Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic anthropology is the science of anthropology that deals with the unique ability of humans to communicate through articulated speech and the diverse languages of mankind.
4. Psychological Anthropology
Psychological Anthropology is the science of anthropology that deals with the relationship between culture, social structures, and humans as individuals.
Understanding Anthropology According to Experts
1.David E. Hunter
According to David Hunter in a book entitled The Study of Anthropology (1976) Anthropology is a science that was born because of the unlimited human curiosity about mankind.
2. William A. Haviland
In a book entitled Cultural Anthropology (1975) William A Haviland defines anthropology as the study of human beings by seeking to make useful generalizations about humans and their behavior and to obtain a complete understanding of human diversity.
In other words, anthropology also studies the study of physical form, physical color and culture of society. Furthermore, he argues that anthropology is a science that tries to formulate general laws about humans and their behavior.
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3. Alfred Louis Kroeber
In a book entitled Anthropology (1923) Alfred Louis Kroeber argues that anthropology is the most systematic, academic, scientific and humanistic humanities science. This science uses scientific methods and principles while embracing the artistic, expressive and symbolic dimensions of human behavior.
4. Simon Coleman and Helen Watson
In a book entitled An Introduction to Anthropology (1992) explains that anthropology is the study of humans and society, both living and dead, developing and extinct.
5. Conrad Philip Kottak
In his book Anthropology, the Exploration of Human Diversity (1974), Philip Kottak describes anthropology as the study of all societies, from primitive to modern societies.
For him, anthropology explains the diversity of mankind holistically. This includes biological, linguistic, socio-cultural and environmental aspects. Both in the past, present and future time dimensions.
6. Frank Robert Vivelo
In a book entitled Cultural Anthropology Handbook: a Basic Introduction (1978) Frank Robert Vivelo explains that anthropology is the study of humans culturally and biologically.
7. Koentjaraningra t
Anthropology is a science that studies human beings in general by studying the various colors, physical forms of society and the resulting culture.
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4. Rifhi Siddiq
Anthropology is a science that explores all aspects contained in humans consisting of various conceptions of culture, science, norms, art, linguistics, symbols, traditions, technology, and institutions.
5. Zerhud Dodda Dofana
Anthropology is a scientific study that studies and explores various aspects of humans.
6. Roger Keesing
Anthropology is the science that studies the study of humans. This science is oriented towards efforts to understand meaning, not just a measure but more emphasis on interpretation that is close to human nature or humanity.
7. Ariyono Suyono
In other words, anthropology is the science that studies, understands, and explores the variety of colors and physical forms, personality, society, and culture.
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10 Benefits of Learning Anthropology for Young Children
After seeing some understandings from anthropologists, it becomes very important for young people to know about the 10 benefits of studying anthropology.
1.Understanding Humans Each Other
By studying Anthropology, humans can understand other humans, both in human behavior or anything related to all human activities, either as individuals or as members of community groups.
Departing from this, with the ability to understand humans with one another, humans are able to adapt and create new civilizations.
Studying anthropology can provide us with useful knowledge about why people’s behavior differs from culture to culture.
Why do Asians seem more conservative than the liberal lifestyle in Western countries? How have women’s status and roles in society changed over time?
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The more we explore the similarities and differences between the groups around us, the more aware and sensitive we become.
Gaining this valuable insight can be beneficial for us especially in future careers, especially if we plan to work in a cross-cultural company or have to deal with foreigners.
2. Understanding the Position of Humans in Society
By studying anthropology, people can understand the position of humans in society and gain new knowledge about the world or other cultures that may not have been revealed before.
In this context, it will bring humans to new knowledge armed with previous discoveries or knowledge to create civilizations in the future.
3. Understanding Various Norms
Studying anthropology can help you understand the various norms, traditions, beliefs, and values of the particular society they belong to.
So that in knowing the diversity of norms, traditions, beliefs to the values they adhere to can be preserved and maintained or even used as a way of life for the next generation of humans.
In this case, it can also make humans broaden their horizons about the association of human beings throughout the world which have specificities according to the characteristics of the region so as to lead to high tolerance.
4. Practice Critical Thinking
Anthropology can make a person more critical, responsive, and rational when he meets the social phenomena of society which are quite complex.
So that humans in this context make humans smarter and more careful in every action or decision. It also makes us human beings who are wise in dealing with other humans.
Further review of anthropology will help humans understand various kinds of problems in society, have sensitivity to conditions in society, and be able to take problem-solving initiatives.
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5. Studying the Ethnography of the Theory of the Origin of Belief
Anthropology compiles ethnographies that allow the creation of theories regarding the origin of beliefs, family, marriage, state behavior, and others.
So from here humans understand the position and role that must be carried out in accordance with the expectations of the citizens of the position that is being carried.
6. Able to Analyze Culture
Studying anthropology academically has the benefit of achieving a perfect understanding of humans. In addition, in general, anthropology will also study various forms of culture in society.
If this is studied further, practically it can be useful for studying culture in various ethnic communities in the world in order to examine the development of human civilization.
7. Learn Language Development
Studying anthropology can develop strong communication. Language is an important part of every human being. Taking an anthropology course can take you to linguistics classes or optionally, language studies.
Sometimes we wonder how many languages does the world speak? or for example, why is Latin considered a dead language?. Or why is English spelling different from one another?
Then, Linguistic Anthropology can also answer it! Learning these things can help us gain a broader understanding of how language develops and changes over time. This in turn will help us to communicate well.
8. Realizing Human Uniqueness
Studying anthropology makes us recognize how unique we are. If we think about ourselves how do people’s size, color and physical characteristics differ by region and continent?
There’s an anthropology section that covers that too! Biological/physical anthropology revolves around the various processes involving human evolution.
How the bones, muscles, and organs of our ancestors functioned to adapt, survive, and reproduce over time.
9. Can Unravel Mysteries of the Past
Interestingly, the benefits of studying our anthropology can reveal the mysteries of the past. If we are big fans of learning history a lot about the past, then studying anthropology might just excite us even more.
Many people may not really know it but archeology is one of its branches that learns more about how people lived thousands of years ago and how they evolved into their present form, from jewelry, tools, fabrics, relics or even buildings.
10. Knowing How Humans Survive
The benefits of studying anthropology can be to learn about how society can shape the way we live our lives. One of the most interesting aspects of taking an anthropology class is that you will be exposed to the discipline of psychology.
Humans behave not only because of their own personality, biological composition, or neurological function, but also because of the environment they are in.
So that psychological anthropology here tries to answer some of the problems that arise that affect society today and if our current culture is the main factor that drives it.