Although anthropology dates back to Aristotle (384-322 BC), it became an established science during the era of colonial exploration and expansion, because of increased contact with different peoples of the world. Anthropology developed during the Industrial Revolution, along with the study of geography, and Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. With developments in technology and fieldwork and increased support of governments, these fields have expanded to cover a broad range of social sciences.
There are about 15,000 professional anthropologists working today. Anthropology includes four broad fields- cultural anthropology, linguistics, physical anthropology and archaeology. Each of the four fields teaches distinctive skills, such as applying theories, employing research methodologies, formulating and testing hypotheses, and developing extensive sets of data. Anthropologists often specialize in one or more geographic areas of the world. In addition, anthropology studies focus on particular populations in a locale or region
Anthropologists work about 40 hours a week, and the hours may be irregular. Physical strength and stamina is necessary for fieldwork of all types. Those engaged in teaching may spend many hours in laboratory research or in preparing lessons to be taught. The work is interesting, however, and those employed in the field are usually highly motivated and unconcerned about long, irregular hours or primitive living conditions.
Anthropologists are careful observers of humans and their behavior, maintaining an intense curiosity: What does it mean to be human? Why do people behave in particular ways? What are the historical and environmental pressures that helped shape the experience and behavior of a specific group of people? What are universal facts of human life? These are questions that anthropologists must answer in their search to understand human behavior.
The most promising way to gain entry into these occupations is through graduate school. Students may have an opportunity to work as a research assistant or a teachin
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