Introduction: We now know what anthropologists study. It examines past and present cultures and societies. Just like language, culture is unique to a particular group of people. Anthropology provides specialists with the scientific basis required to be able to analyze and comprehend society, social systems, and social institutions. Among other things, it helps us to comprehend how cultures are formed and why they have distinct characteristics.
There is a need to make mention that different societies are a result of different approaches and so possess unique beliefs. Fortunately, these views have been found to co-exist. It is the interaction between beliefs, practices, and institutions that make it possible for entire cultures to overlap. As a result, every culture absorbs values and beliefs from other cultures creating plasmas or fusions. Plasmas are required in today’s context where interactions occur daily and on many platforms.
Consider what would have happened if cultures remained stagnant historical phenomena and lived in isolated bubbles without any interaction. Assam highlands tribes would have worshiped sorcerers; Polish would consider alcohol the highest gift of gods; various Eskimos could try to kill heavenly seals; Kossacks would aspire to become Cossaks again, never dreaming of joining ‘Russian’ civilization.
What Makes a Great Anthropologists?
Fortunately, such a scenario is purely hypothetical. Every culture vector in most cultures exists simultaneously and in tandem. Nowadays, it seems like “specialists” in the spheres of economics, technology, and politics tend to ignore culture; they assume globalized industries exist in a sterile void, completely divorced from the cultural environment. However, they are far from isolated. To implement successful marketing strategies, professionals need to understand the culture where they intend to put into practice a certain technology, business model, or political strategy.
Additionally, communication is also a strong skill that an anthropologist must possess. The ability to communicate effectively is important since their results are often written up to be able to teach other individuals. In this case, patience is required as anthropological studies can last for many years. Lastly, where trust is to be earned, one must understand the cultural practices to get better relationships within the societies and the real information.
Top 10 Anthropologists in History
There have been anthropologists over the years who have developed knowledge of various aspects of human societies. Let us now look at the top 10 anthropologists who made a mark on this occupation.
#1 Franz Boas – Father of American Anthropology
Franz Boas, who is also known as the father of American Anthropology, was at the forefront of changing the field of anthropology in the early twentieth century. He disputed racial prejudice and championed cultural relativism which is a concept that treats the understanding of a culture on its framework as opposed to other cultures. He thus worked in pushing the boundaries of anthropology forward and many would say that he essentially built modern anthropology from scratch.
#2 Margaret Mead – Anthropologist with an emphasis on culture.
In Samoa, she conducted studies of adolescence, which made her question the Western standards of childcare and societal norms. Her activity drew attention to the role of culture in the formation of an individual, emphasizing the formation of genders. Popularization of anthropology in her writings P. Mead transformed the attitude of society toward cultural pluralism.
#3 Claude Levi-Strauss – Structural Anthropologist
Claude Levi-Strauss’s basic contribution to American anthropology was that he imported structuralism into the Anthropological discourse. He studied myths, kinship, and language systems to find some global forms of human mental activity. As per Levi-Strauss, if one can decipher these underlying structures, one can see the commonality that exists among diverse cultures.
#4 Bronislaw Malinowski – Pioneering Functionalism
Bronislaw Malinowski is famous for creating functionalism as a theoretical approach that studies social activity as having particular roles in a society. The ethnographic study that he conducted in the Triobriand Islands helped define the method of participant observation, which means involvement and not just watching society from a distance.
#5 Clifford Geertz – Symbolic Anthropologist.
Clifford Geertz was an early advocate of symbolic anthropology, which explores symbols in cultures to explain their significance. The so-called “thick description” was Geertz’s notion, which defines what anthropologists ought to present in their projects: not only the actions but also the aims and reasons behind them. Geertz’s work has influenced modern cultural studies and anthropology.
#6 Marcel Mauss – Pioneer of French Anthropology
Marcel Mauss, a French sociologist and anthropologist is remembered for his practices on gift exchange. His work The Gift, explains how exchanges create and transform social ties, obligations, or duties that people have to others and society in general. The thoughts of Mauss contributed to the creation of economic anthropology, which deals with the economics of reciprocity and social contracts.
#7 E.E. Evans-Pritchard – British Social Anthropologist
E. E. Evans-Pritchard wrote about witchcraft, religion, and social structure, his fieldwork encompassed a multitude of societies in Africa. He maintained that such ideas, which may seem nonsensical to outside view, have a rational role in the community. Evans-Pritchard’s work also influenced how anthropologists work, making them value native belief systems in their culture.
#8 Ruth Benedict – Culture & Personality School Advocate.
Ruth Benedict, an American anthropologist, was active in the leadership of culture and personality studies. Her book, Patterns of Culture, depicts how culture confines individuals’ actions. She has shown them the sources of cultural variations in society are the combinations of values and practices embodied in that culture, which has raised anthropological culture by leaps and bounds.
#9 Zora Neale Hurston – African American
Anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston was as much a writer of renown as she was an anthropologist and a field collector of African American and Caribbean folklore. Her work maintained African culture in the United States and showcased the versatility of the Black voice. The work that Hurston engaged in extremities aided the legitimization of African American anthropology and is a source of inspiration to generations to come.
#10 Michel Foucault – Postmodern
Anthropologist Michel Foucault’s concepts of social power, epistemology of power relations, and subjugating practices of social systems transformed the disciplines of anthropology and sociology. Theories about how societies control people primarily belong to Foucault, who, although mainly a philosopher, never neglected postmodern anthropology. His theory continues to find its relevance in studies of power dynamics, cultural constructs, and selfhood in society.
Why Study Anthropology?
The study of anthropology provides an understanding of the human condition and the diversity within it. Not only do anthropologists study the past or ancient civilizations, but even today’s events, thus allowing for more manageable enjoyment of our civilization. Anthropology identifies ideals and norms, thus allowing for compassion and understanding of people of different cultures.
This branch has also practical examples. One, forensic anthropologists engage in criminal investigations through the examination of the physical body. In global business, it is also helpful to have cultural anthropologists who can offer practical assistance in cross-cultural business transactions. From the study of this discipline, students sharpen their observing abilities, analytical skills, as well as cultural sensitivity.
How Do You Become an Anthropologist?
To become an anthropologist, a prospective student will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in either anthropology or a related degree. Many of them choose to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD and focus on cultural, forensic, linguistic, or even biological anthropology. Courses include research methods including theory and even fieldwork since practical exposure is needed for the proper articulation of the area.
Field experience is extremely useful. Internships, study abroad opportunities, and even cultural organization volunteer placer work may offer professional experience. On top of that, aspiring anthropologists must also have good writing and analytical skills. Writing is an integral part of the profession since findings must be prepared for presentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anthropology is perhaps one of the most vital fields of study that deals with the investigation of the aspects of human society, the complexities of culture, and the evolution of mankind. Mythical anthropologists like Franz Boas, Margaret Mead, and even Claude Levi Strauss have made it possible for us to expand our horizons and understand what it means to belong to humanity.
This study does not only assist us in understanding past cultures but also provides perspectives on present-day social conflicts. If anthropology is explored, then there is a distinct certainty that the individual will develop a passion for culture, history, and people. It is the study of humanity as a whole and helps someone understand how people interact around the world.
