<strong>What is the difference between anthropology and sociology?</strong>
Both anthropology and sociology are closely related social sciences which are often thought to be one the same. However, in reality, anthropology is the study of human behaviour, while sociology is the study of how groups of people (or the society) interact with one another and how their behaviour is largely affected by social structures, categories (age, sex, race, class etc.) and institutions.
What is anthropology?
To put it simply, anthropology is a field of study dealing with human diversity. It is primarily categorised into four parts: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology. The defining factor of anthropology is that people who study this field examine cultures that are hardly their own.
What is sociology?
In simple terms, sociology is the field that deals with the study of society, social interaction and the rules and processes which bind and separate people, not only as individuals but as members of associations. The primary elements of sociology are individuals who belong to groups that in turn affects their behaviour, and groups that exist independent of their members. The categories of study in sociology are: globalisation, race and ethnicity, hierarchy, consumption, family, social inequality, demography, health, work, education and religion.
Anthropology versus Sociology
As we have already understood that both anthropology and sociology study human behaviour, the debate between the two is now more a matter of perspectives.
While anthropology studies human culture at a smaller level (in case of individuals) as against a larger culture, sociology in contrast deals with the macro level (society or community at large) and analyses institutions (political, religious, educational etc.), organisations, and above all the power relations of one group with another. In fact, it focuses on cultural specifications of a stated group or community.
Secondly, the method of research in anthropology is called ethnography, also known as participant observation, that includes in-depth and constant interactions with the same people. On the other hand, sociology adopts both qualitative and quantitative research methods, that includes studying data sets and conducting surveys.
Thirdly, anthropologists generally deal with their own culture and society and are usually concentrated in the Wes; while sociologists conduct research all across the globe.
Finally, a notable difference between anthropology and sociology is that, the former aims to understand human diversity and cultural differences, while the latter is more solution-oriented, and deals with resolving social issues through reforms.