Career as Anthropologist

 Anthropologist      
 

WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?

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. 

Besides, Anthropology also studies the evolution of man at different ages as well as the physical and cultural diversity among humans, living in the same period, at various parts of the world in diverse environments. It is about people, their relationships, and how they live together as members of society. It contributes to the understanding and explanation of socio-cultural behavior. Anthropologists study human societies worldwide concerning kinship, political organization, religion, legal system, economy, language, education, health care, and art, in other words, people's lifestyle or culture.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ANTHROPOLOGIST -

• Develop and design innovative processes in anthropological research.
• Study the social and cultural development of human beings.
• Study the language, traditions, and beliefs of human races.
• Interact with other anthropologists specializing in physical anthropology, linguistics, and archeology.
• Teach and train students interested in becoming anthropologists.
• Study the origin and biological development of human races.
• Conduct research on the evolution of human beings through the study of fossils.
• Publish scholarly papers on anthropology studies
• Participate and deliver lectures on anthropology in seminars and conferences.
• Conduct studies on fossils and archeological objects to determine the age and history of human races.

WHAT QUALITIES ARE REQUIRED?

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 POSSESS THE ABOVE QUALITIES?
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SCOPE-

Anthropology is slowly gaining sheen as a good study option. Till a few years back, a lack of exposure to the subject and lack of literature that can be used for the course study pushed it to the end of the list. Also, Anthropology requires investigation, which we do not easily deploy. But now, students are more inquisitive. Moreover, the recent developments in human history are making people more conscious about the need to study themselves.

Anthropology in Business:-

In today's globalized, knowledge era Humans are the real focus. Employees come first (to Customers), whether this culture exists in reality or not. Managing the intended and unintended consequences of this perception is critical for companies and this Anthropology is required. Physical anthropology finds application in management and business.

It is gaining ground. Multinationals and other big corporations are seeing the value and started working with anthropologists. Sometimes candidates with an Anthropology background are preferred over MBAs. Recruiters, engagement managers, CSR executives, and Ethics Managers are such some roles. So the future for anthropology students is brighter.

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. program 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.

Specialization in Anthropology

Physical or Biological Anthropology - This branch deals with the biological evolution of human beings and the linkage of humans with their primate ancestors.
Socio-cultural Anthropology- It involves the study of human cultures and societies, and it encompasses topics like linguistics, studies of minority populations, studies of social norms, and studies of specific types of social groups.
Applied Anthropology - Social problems like birth control, labor unrest, juvenile delinquency, mortality rate are dealt with with the help of information gathered from other fields. 
Prehistoric Anthropology - This branch can also be called archeology as it deals with bones, relics, and artifacts dug up and tries to reconstruct the chronological sequence of history based on these findings.
Linguistic Anthropology -  The origin and evolution of all written as well as unwritten languages and dialects are dealt with under this branch of anthropology.

INSTITUTES-

-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
- Bangalore University, Bangalore
- Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam
- Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur
- Dibrugarh University, Assam
- Vidya Sagar University, West Bengal
- Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur

JOB OPPORTUNITY  FOR AN ANTHROPOLOGY -

- There are three main areas of employment for an Anthropologist, i.e., teaching, research and working in museums. 
-Research jobs are available in organizations like Archaeological Survey of India, the Planning Commission as well as international organizations like the United Nation's UNESCO or UNICEF also require their services.
- Moreover, openings are also available for socio-cultural anthropologists with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who seek their expertise in understanding relations between industry and society.
- Cultural anthropologists are particularly well suited to work in professions involving people, such as teaching, law, medicine, social work, and journalism. Archaeology majors may become cultural resource management specialists.
- Museums are yet another potential source of employment. Many organizations like the ICMR, WHO and the Police Department also offer employment to anthropologists for crime detection.
- A section of the students may opt for anthropologically oriented research to provide better service delivery or to assess social issues and social problems, such as in public health, education, urban planning, social welfare, and government planning, international development.
- One can easily say that the career opportunity of working as an anthropologist is any given day greater abroad than in India.
-They are employed in many sectors such as law, business, medicine, and other professional institutions. Anthropologists are also engaged in societal development of programs and public services.

Few job sectors under Anthropology:
Anthropology departments
Epidemiology
Linguistics
Medicine
Cognitive psychology
Neural science
Public health
Publishing houses
Biological survey organizations

REMUNERATION

Freshers, who are at the beginning of their career, can expect somewhere between Rs. 15,000 to 25,000 per month. 
Median salary may range from Rs 2-4 lakh per annum
Remember that work in research and fieldwork is done under a grant of money from national and international funding agencies so there is always tough competition.

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