Does anyone have any information on Anthropology? & Can you tell me what category this falls under?

Question

I am working on a Science Fair project that is about anthropology. I have been looking for the correct category of anthropology that this falls under, but I'm not sure. This is what the paper says that gave us the idea for this project:

"Dating is a Science Too"
"Did you know that there are reasons you pick the people you date? And we're not just talking about your dates owning a car or being the best looking in your class! Although, those are status symbolswhich are part of our culture. If you study why those symbols are so important to our culture, when they started and what status symbols are important in other cultures, then your studying anthropology."

This is what we're doing:
"Make up a survey for you and your friends. Ask them what type of people their attracted to. What color hair? Eyes? Personality?"

So... If you have any information about this topic it would be much appreciated. Also... If you know the category it falls under that would be helpful also.

We think it's Cultural Anthropology but we're not sure.

Answer 1

It could fall under cultural anthropology, but it might even fit better into "sociology" since you are looking at behavior, and social cues in your own society.

Answer 2

I have to agree to me this seems like Sociology. If you were told that this is Anthropology than I will try to help. I suspect that it fals under Cultural but not quite sure. Here are the four branches od Anthropology and their various sub-fields. 1.Biological/ Physical
A. paleoanthropology B. Biological variation C. Primatatology D. Forensic Anthro 2.Archeology A. prehistory B. Classical C. Historic D.marine arch 3. Linguistics A. historical B. descriptive C. ethnolinguistics D. sociolinguistics 4 Cultural Anthro A. Ethnography B. Ethnology C.Specific geographical areas D. economic anthro E. belief systems F.Folklore and ethnomusicology G.Human ecology H.Psychological anthro I. educational anthro J. urban anthro K.Medical anthro L. legal anthro
This is just a basic break down of the branches but all four branches practice applied anthropology which is using anthropological knowledge and methods to solve practical problems such as the one you have been asked.

Answer 3

I also agree that it is more of a ciology type of question. However, cultural anthropology would be fitting as well. However, in my cultural anthropology class the most that is talked about that has to do with relationships is more about marriage and the family relationships that come after that.

Answer 4

Anthropology (from the Greek word ἄνθρωπος, "human" or "person") consists of the study of humanity (see genus Homo). It is holistic in two senses: it is concerned with all humans at all times and with all dimensions of humanity. In principle, it is concerned with all institutions of all societies. Anthropology is distinguished from other social-science disciplines by its emphasis on cultural relativity, in-depth examination of context, and cross-cultural comparisons. Some anthropologists have utilized anthropological knowledge to frame cultural critiques. This has been particularly prominent in America, from the popular attacks on Victorianism of Margaret Mead and Ruth Benedict through contemporary attacks on post-colonialism under the heading of postmodernism. Anthropology is methodologically diverse using both qualitative methods and quantitative methods. Ethnographies—intensive case studies based on field research—have historically had a central place in the literature of the discipline.

Answer 5

Anthropology is the study of human cultures, and a culture of criminals would probably be tough to find. Wouldn't they all murder, steal, and kill one another? Actually, exceptions abound. What about the culture created by sending ship after ship of criminals to Australia? Once that makes sense, you'll probably smack your head when an obvious one jumps out: the study of cultures within jail systems. Many people have tried to investigate prison culture. There have also been anthropological papers (and books) published on the worldviews of drug-addicts living in ghettos. Philippe Bourgois wrote "In Search of Respect; Selling Crack in el Barrio" after spending two years living with crack dealers. That answers your basic question. Now, If you are interested in studying a specific serial killer, you could figure out how a particular such figure affects society X or group Y. Another way to study serial killers would be to see how a society conceptualizes them, how stories of them are used to influence other people. Think of how ingrained stories of the "boogieman" are in our own. It'd be interesting to explore how they are used as a concept. Anyhow, my answer is: DEFINITELY! :)

Answer 6

I agree....Cultural Anthropology but definitely Sociology as well.