What are the differences between a degree in sociology and a degree in anthropology?

Answer 1

I'm afraid that the other responses to your question were not 100 % accurate, although correct in some areas.

There are a great many overlaps / similarities between Sociology and Anthropology, but also differences, including at the conceptual level.

Anthropology and Sociology have numerous different branches, and areas of specialization. The Anthropology that Jeanne B is talking about, is called Physical Anthropology, which I studied in my undergraduate years as a minor subject at University. This type of Anthropology in turn has strong links to Archeology, and has a strong bent toward past, ancient, and prehistoric history. The study of genetics, methods of dating and sampling feature strongly here.

What both Sociology and Anthropology have in common is the usage of the Ethnographic Method, most strongly associated with the study of Anthropology, especially Cultural Anthropology, another branch. This is the common view of a social scientist visiting with a group, tribe, clan, community etc. Sociology too, employs this practice extensively, but its point of entry, and coneptutal understanding and definition of things like the Social Structure of that particular group and its individuals will differ somewhat from Anthropologists making a similar type of study. Anthropologists are also more interested in kinship groups, and lineage, and may go to great lengths to document this. Sociologists such as myself may also engage in this practice, but perhpas to a lesser degree enquiring by informal interview perhaps about certain aspects of kinship and lineage, but nothing would prevent us from adopting a similar approach, if the need arose, or we chose to adopt this route.

Both disciplines have what is known as the Anthropology, and Sociology of development - very similar in terms of subject matter - issues of Globalization and its impact on less advanced societies for example. I am currently doing my PhD in the Sociology of Development, which should be, once I get into my thesis, challenging and interesting.

Remember, Anthropology's central theme is that of culture, and the argument that an individual's attributes and identity do not exist entirely independently of culture, but is inextricably intertwined. Most of its arguments on just about any issue or topic, would be from a predominantly cultural standpoint, (some would even say bias.) Sociology adopts I believe, a far more even handed approach (depending of course, on which brand of Sociology you specialize in) - trying to look at issues with the group, institutions and also the individual in relation to his or her self and others within the large and samll groups they form a part of. Culture too, is an important aspect for us to study, anaylze, comment on, and interpret, especially communication, symbols, language, interaction, material and non-material aspects of human culture, society, and civilization. We too look back to ancient and prehistory (to explain socio-cultural phenomena today.)

PS* - You cannot however, despite the numerous similarities between our 2 disciplines work as an Anthropologist with a Sociology degree, and vice versa, unless the job offered indicates either post graduate degree in Sociology / Anthropology. This would be a more high level general research position, especially jobs within the Public Sector / Government.

Hope that answers your question

Answer 2

Anthropology is the study of cultures and evolution. It dates back to the beginning of the human race.

Sociology is the study of people. In the now.

Answer 3

Sociology examines society, it's functions, and it's reaction to various events. It uses the evidence of publications and interviews.
Anthropology looks at ancient evidence such as bones, broken pottery, buried cities and art, and what has been left behind by long dead people, to address old societies and our foundations.
For better, "dictionary" definitions of both, look at wikipedia.com.

Answer 4

One will explain something by saying "society does this" (about people and their interactions) , the other will say "people have developed like this" (about genetic and cultural developments).

Maybe!

Answer 5

I'll tell you what's common in both: they're degrees!
http.www.alldigitall.net

Answer 6

did i miss something?