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Anthropologist
The study of Social Anthropology provides a systematic way of examining the social lives and cultures, the customs, values and modes of thought of human societies which may be very different from our own. Anthropology is the study of human origin, development and social interaction using a holistic approach and mainly qualitative research, mainly by means of participant observation.
Anthropologists study the lifestyle and culture of human societies, their politics, religions, legal systems, economies, modes of education, languages, health care methods, and styles of art. They make comparative studies relating to human origin, evolution, races, the cultures created, as well as the distribution and physical characteristics of human beings.
In South Africa particular attention is paid to the rich variety of inhabitants. The heterogeneous composition of the population provides ideal opportunities and challenges for the anthropologist.
Because of the sensitivity that anthropologists have towards the different lifestyles, circumstances and problems of people, they play an increasingly important role in dealing with the challenges facing modern human culture; for instance conflict resolution and relationships in the workplace.
Anthropologists attempt to comprehend and record such things as myths, rituals, economic systems, family patterns and the forms of political organization of a given group or society.
To sum up, Anthropology is the study of humans as biological, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual beings, with specific reference to factors such as the social and political organizations, religion, the legal system, life styles, economy, art and language.
Anthropology has distinct but related sub-fields, which have developed their own theoretical and methodological specializations over the past century. These can be summarized as follows:
Physical Anthropology: This has close connections to natural sciences like biology and genetics. This involves an understanding of the way in which humans have evolved from their "hominid" ancestors over the last few million years as well as the extent to which we share genetic characteristics with other primates such as the great apes, gorillas and chimpanzees. Palaeo-anthropologists examine fossil remains of extinct primates. Physical anthropologists are concerned with the science of ethnology and study the behaviour of humans in their natural settings.
Archaeology: Archaeologists study the different forms of social organizations and cultures that have characterized humankind through time. They collect data by excavating sites of past habitations and meticulously record the objects, settlement patterns and remains of people whose lives they are trying to understand.
Anthropological Linguistics: Language provides a rich subject for study. Without an understanding of the language spoken by a particular people, not much can be learnt about their myths, beliefs, political situation and so on.
Social and Cultural Anthropology: This involves the study of the culture and social organizations of living peoples. It is related to ethnography, which is often defined as the comparative study of cultures.
Besides those described above, other areas of specialization include: medical anthropology; economic anthropology; and urban anthropology.
Anthropologists spend time in an office, the library, as well as in the "field". They study relevant literature, observe, interview people, and in some instances are involved in resolving problems between people with different cultural backgrounds.
Satisfying Aspects
- doing work in area of particular personal interest
- variety in the work
- knowing the work can help others
- travelling and getting to meet different people
- experiencing different ways of life
Demanding aspects
- long, irregular hours
- being away from home for long periods of time
Requirements
An anthropologist should:
- possess considerable patience and tact;
- have a good memory;
- be able to adapt easily to change;
- have a genuine interest in people;
- enjoy working with people of all population groups;
- have good health and stamina;
- speak the languages of the groups being studied (however, interpreters are generally used in research projects to bridge language barriers);
- be able to work for long periods on his own and away from home.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: African Languages, History
Training
Degree: BA degree, with Anthropology as major subject in combination with one of the following subjects: Archaeology, African Languages, Communication, Development Administration, Indigenous Law, History, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, Personnel Management - all major universities
Post-graduate training: Honours degree in Anthropology. Further postgraduate qualifications, such as a masters degree or doctorate in Anthropology, are needed for more senior positions - eg UNISA, UZ.
Employer
- Universities
- Museums
- Research institutions
- Mining companies
- Department of Education
- Health care services
- Municipalities
- Advertising companies
- Marketing agents
Contact
Any of the above potential employers, particularly universities
Anthropology Southern Africa
Dept of Sociology and Anthropology
Port Elizabeth, 6031
Tel: (041) 504-2188
Fax: (041) 504-2574
Northern Flagship Institute
P O Box 413
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 322-7632
Fax: (012) 322 7939
Department of Anthropology and Archeology
UNISA
P O Box 392
Pretoria, 0003
www.museums.org.za
www.nfi.org.za