Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Social Sciences

Anthropology

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of humanity with a focus on cultural diversity. Using a range of theoretical perspectives and research methods, anthropologists attempt to understand, appreciate, and explain cultural differences and similarities.

Ethnographic fieldwork, in which the researcher becomes a participant-observer of a community or group's social life, is central to anthropological practice.

Anthropologists are interested in the interplay between the ways we are shaped by the world around us and the ways we shape it. As well as exploring what is humanly universal, anthropologists also work for social change. The ultimate intellectual aim is to develop a more informed and critical outlook on one's own culture, in the process achieving a better understanding of what it is that makes us human.

While anthropologists are renowned for their interest in such exotic behaviour as witchcraft, sorcery and cannibalism, they are today as likely to be interested in such familiar and everyday issues as social inequality, racism, environmental issues, globalisation, information technology and identity politics.

Teaching

Anthropology is currently only available to students at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Location: fourth level, Social Sciences Building. For more information on Anthropology see the University Handbook.

Career Opportunities

Anthropology students develop an array of skills appropriate to a diverse range of occupations. As well as providing specific training in ethnographic research, all the units are designed to promote systematic and analytical thinking.

Anthropology subjects (units) help students to acquire specific skills in research, analysis, writing, argument and thinking and promote an understanding of, and sensitivity to, social and cultural differences. In the process, students become more adaptable and employable in a variety of areas rather than being trained for a specific and narrow career path.

Areas in which anthropology graduates obtain work include teaching in schools, colleges, institutes and universities; social research in colleges, institutes and universities as well as for business, governments and trade unions. They are also employed in a professional capacity in organisations concerned with community and regional development; humanitarian and development aid; indigenous, multicultural, immigration and refugee organisations; as well as corporate, governmental, trade union and other organisations concerned with cross-cultural liaison. Anthropology graduates also find work in administration, particularly social policy areas that have a cross cultural focus.

Community Engagement

Anthropologists in the School of Social Sciences have significant links with individuals and organisations outside of the University. Members of staff regularly advise or consult with organisations, including the media, ethnic or indigenous organisations, government institutions, development organisations, museums and many more, both in Australia and overseas.