i want to become an anthropologist. should i? wat r the ups and downs on being one?
2007-01-19 12:49:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
If you want to study anthropology, then do it. Education should not be attached so firmly to a price tag.
Besides, there is plenty of work for anthropologists in the 'real' world. I am an anthropologist, use that education every day, and earn a very good living as a US foreign service officer.
2007-01-20 18:27:23 · answer #1 · answered by dognhorsemom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if you have an interest in learning about other cultures then you should. That is the reason I went into anthropology. I have an MA and am now teaching at the university where I went to school.
The downsides are that it is difficult to find work as an "anthropologist" outside of academia because a lot of organizations are not aware of the benefits of employing an anthropologist and you pretty much have to in a sense create your own job. Although I love teaching my real passion is consulting but just really have not been able to break into that.
The benefits are that you can pretty much work in any field that you want. You just have to be creative. If you are interested in marketing you can do market research, you can do museum work, Human Rights, consulting, social services, archaeology, research, teaching. Most universities actually have specific areas that you can focus on depending on your interest. For example, educational, medical or visual anthropology. I did some cultural diversity training for a social services agency where the volunteers serving as mentors for children in the foster care system had to take my section as well as others in order to work with the children. The possibilities are endless.
I think the most important benefit (for me) in majoring in cultural anthropology is the knowledge and cultural sensitivity that you learn. I can guarantee you that the skills you learn in anthropology you will not learn in any other social science. Good luck.
2007-01-19 22:13:00 · answer #2 · answered by anthrogurl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first, anthropology is NOT archaeology. although they are related (in that they study human culture), archaeology focuses on cultures of the past. anthropology studies modern cultures. if that is what you want to do, major in anthropology in college. i did an interdepartmental social science degree and focused on anthropology. if you enjoy watching ethnographic shows on PBS or even travel documentaries then it might be for you. pick up "In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio" by Phillip Bourgois. it's an ethnography that's regarded as one of the best out there.
ups: it's fascinating. you're able to do research on almost anything you want to do. anthropologists are employable in the way that anyone with a degree can find a pretty good job. if you want to use anthropology within a modern context without teaching at a college, a master's program in applied anthopology might work for you. talk to a professor before you decide on your future.
downs: if you want to be a full-time anthropologist and do research, you'll need a Ph.D and also teach at a university. you also won't become filthy rich.
2007-01-19 21:37:45 · answer #3 · answered by super_shlee 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anthropology is a diverse field that encompases many fields. In general, it can be a great knowledge base that will enhance any career you choose in the social sciences, or really any career. Specific carrers in anthropology can range from archeologist (rewarding but generally dirty, hard work- don't think Indiana Jones) or more of a cultural anthropologist (studying current culture).
2007-01-20 13:45:40 · answer #4 · answered by Hans F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an enjoyable job and field becasue you meet many people from different cultures and travel. If you do not like to travel this might be not interesting to you and you should accept the diversity of cultures and when you are studying a culture you can not change what you see in this culture wrong from your own prespective.This might bother you if you are a person who like to change wrong things.
2007-01-19 22:23:33 · answer #5 · answered by Kenzy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't know much about this profession, but I think when you're an anthropologist, you need to do a lot of digging, you might have to find a sponsor or something.
The ups part, if you love outdoor, you might enjoy this profession. You might find something new and be able to study it.
2007-01-19 21:33:12 · answer #6 · answered by meetha 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
ups: fascinating subject
: must love to read and to do research
downs: not a well paid career
: prepare for a long school career
: very competitive job market
2007-01-20 14:45:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋