Career as Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologist
A career in cultural anthropology is well suited for those interested in history, geography, travel and human culture.

WHAT IS ANTHROLOGY?

Anthropology is a science, which studies the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of mankind. It encompasses the study of the origin of human species as well as its cultural and social structures.

The subject material of anthropology is very broad; hence it is divided into various branches. These branches are- Archaeology, Linguistic Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology and Biological Anthropology.

WHAT DOES A CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST DO?

Cultural anthropologists, also known as sociocultural anthropologists, study the language, art, traditions and customs of societies past and present to learn how humanity has developed over time. They strive to solve a variety of mysteries about humankind, such as how civilizations formed, how customs came into existence or why cultures differ from each other. 

JOB PROFILE OF A CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST

- Cultural anthropologists typically specialize in one region and may even focus on one specific cultural component, such as marriage rituals, ceremonial dancing or legal structure.

- They research and observe various cultural phenomena like music, language and art, as well as social relationships, habitation and evolution.

- Anthropologists may be required to travel to various locations to gather information and may even live among distant civilizations during observation. They use this data to formulate hypotheses, which they typically detail in reports.

EDUCATION-

Even aspiring students with arts can also apply to pursue a course in Anthropology. Generally a Science background at the +2 level is preferred for a B.Sc. programme in Anthropology. B.Sc in Anthropology is of three years duration and thereafter one can specialize in any of the branches at M.Sc and M.Phil levels. A candidate, who plans to join international development agencies as an advisor, should preferably have a Ph.D. degree in the subject.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE A CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST?

While looking for a job, we search about the responsibilities, scope, qualification etc required for a particular. But we often forget the most important factors  i.e career interest, Aptitude and personality, needed to be considered, while applying for a job. 

Some of the basic aptitude, personality and interest required to succeed in this career are-

THINK YOU POSSES THE ABOVE QUALITIES?

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COLLEGES-

Colleges offering degree in B. Sc. / B.A. in Anthropology 

• Hansraj College, University of Delhi
• Hindu College, University of Delhi
• Panjab University, Chandigarh
• Ashoka University, Sonipat
• Symbiosis School of Liberal Art, Pune
• Vidyasagar University, West Bengal.

Colleges offering  Masters in Anthropology 

• Visva Bharati University, West Bengal
• Berhampur University, Odisha
• University of Allahabad
• Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Chhattisgarh
• University of Hyderabad
• University of Rajasthan

Note:  Most Colleges/Institutes provide admission to candidates on the basis of their Class 12th Percentage. Some institutes also conduct entrance exam. So, it is advisable to check their course structure and eligibility prior to taking the admission.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES-

 As a cultural anthropologist you can work for following sectors/ fields- 

• Art Galleries, Publishing Houses, and Museums
• Education Sector
• Advertising and Market Research
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Criminal Investigation Department
• Entertainment Industry
• Along with museums and universities, cultural anthropologists may also be employed by businesses, hospitals and penitentiaries.