Why cultural anthropology and development sociology?
If you've ever wondered why people behave the way they do or how societies work, studying cultural anthropology and development sociology could be for you. Although these two disciplines once followed separate paths, they are now closely intertwined. This article explores what each involves, where they overlap and how they differ.
What is cultural anthropology?
Cultural anthropology is the study of human behaviour, customs and beliefs around the world. Anthropologists try to understand how cultures - from small village communities to large urban societies - work and develop. They seek to discover what unites people, how they form their identities, and what rituals and traditions they share.
What makes this discipline unique is the way anthropologists conduct their research: they immerse themselves in the communities they study. Using methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews, they try to experience what it's like to be part of the culture they're studying. This approach provides detailed, qualitative insights into the complex world of human interactions and cultural dynamics.
What is development sociology?
Development sociology focuses on the broader structures and processes within societies. This can include the functioning of economic and political systems, the emergence of social inequality, and the impact of globalisation. Development sociologists study how societies develop, with a particular focus on poverty, social change and the impact of development projects.
Unlike anthropology, which often studies individual behaviour and small communities, sociology often uses quantitative methods such as surveys and statistical analysis. This helps to identify larger trends and patterns within large populations.
Similarities and differences
At their core, cultural anthropology and sociology are similar in that they both seek to understand how people and societies function.
However, they differ in their approaches and the scope of their work:
- Methods: Cultural anthropology primarily uses qualitative methods such as participant observation, while sociology often relies on quantitative techniques such as surveys and data collection.
- Focus: Anthropology traditionally focuses on in-depth studies of specific groups or communities, while sociology examines broader structures and systems.
- Origins of research: Historically, there was a distinction between 'here' (the West, studied by sociologists) and 'there' (non-Western societies, studied by anthropologists). Today, this division is blurring: anthropologists now study not only distant countries but also their own cities and communities, while sociologists study global processes.
The overlap: The best of both worlds
The study of cultural anthropology and development sociology combines the strengths of both disciplines. The focus is on understanding cultural behaviour and analysing the structures that shape societies. This means that students not only learn how to use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, but also how to apply complex theories to explain the world around them.
Imagine conducting field research on the impact of an international development project in a local community. As a cultural anthropologist, you would learn about people's personal stories, practices and cultural context. As a development sociologist, you would combine this insight with an analysis of how economic and political forces influence the project.
Why is this combination so important?
The world we live in is becoming increasingly complex and global. Challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and cultural diversity require an integrated approach. By studying Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, you will learn to critically examine both individual human experiences and the larger social structures that shape those experiences. This will enable you to make a meaningful contribution to a world where cultural sensitivity and social analysis are essential.
Armed with this knowledge, you will be ready to better understand - and even improve - society, whether at home or on the other side of the world.
Bannerphoto: Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash.