Anthropology

Anthropology

Introduction:

The term Anthropology has been derived from two Greek terms namely 'anthropos' which means human and 'logos' means study. Thus Anthropology is the study of human beings in its absoluteness. 

Anthropology is a science, which studies the origin and the physical, social and cultural development and behavior of mankind, especially various human cultures, human civilizations, their traditions and customs. It not only studies the biological evolution of human beings and the socio-cultural linguistic development of humans, but also their physical and cultural diversity at different ages, places and environments. Anthropology is about people, their relationships, and how they live together as members of society. It contributes to the understanding and explanation of socio-cultural behavior.

There are several branches of anthropology that deals with various aspects of human development. These include the following:

Ø   Physical or Biological Anthropology

Ø   Socio-cultural Anthropology

Ø   Prehistoric Anthropology

Ø   Applied Anthropology

Ø   Linguistic Anthropology

Eligibility & Course Areas:

Ø   Generally anyone having completed their schooling in the science stream is eligible to study anthropology in college. To be a professional Anthropologist one has to qualify B.Sc in Anthropology. The minimum qualification for B.Sc in Anthropology is 10+2 pass with science subjects. For better career prospects one can pursue M.Sc in Anthropology for which the minimum qualification is B.Sc in the concerned subject, and further one can take up M.Phil and PhD in anthropology. Some universities or collages also offer B.A and M.A courses in Anthropology respectively into which, a 10+2 pass student with social science can be enrolled.

Job Prospects & Career Options:

Ø   Being the study of mankind as a whole, Anthropology is a very interesting subject. It opens many doors of knowledge to the biological, socio-cultural, prehistoric and every other aspect of human development.

Ø    The job prospects for students of Anthropology are vast within India as well as abroad. Anthropology as a subject has far better scope in countries in the west, where they are hired in the field of medicine, law, business and other professional institutions. They are absorbed in community development programs and public service programs as well.

Ø   Anthropology as a subject offers great career prospects for those students who wish to pursue it at a higher level. There are many fields where Anthropologists can find employment. The three main areas of employment are in teaching, research and working in museums.

Ø   The demand for curators by museums gives another opening for Anthropologists. They are employed by museums, art galleries, libraries and archives.

Remuneration:

Ø   Since the nature of job prospects is very diverse, the salary can vary tremendously. Those employed in public sector research institutions and departments have pay packages as per the terms and conditions of the government. For non-research based jobs, the pay is generally good. Museums and libraries pay a high salary for curators.

Ø   Even working with NGOs pays quite well. The focus for most anthropologists is more on their work rather than on money. Those in international developmental agencies have even higher remuneration, perks and other benefits. Corporate houses and industries offer various fringe benefits other than salaries and allowances. Professors and teachers in academic institutions also have good pay packages.

Ø   One can expect a starting salary somewhere around Rs. 8,000-12000 per month. There also exists a stiff competition among researchers working in the field of Anthropology for grant of money from national and international funding agencies. Hence aspirants who wish to carry out research in Anthropology must be well prepared. Many foreign institutions support anthropological research in India as well.

Courses:

» B.A. Anthropology
» B.Sc. Anthropology
» M.A. Anthropology
» M.Sc. Anthropology
» Ph.D. Anthropology

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