Your argument on similarities and differences between an anthropologist and an archaeologist can be a bit confusing because these two professions are very similar.
However, I have provided a detailed guide to assist you in understanding the difference between an anthropologist and an archaeologist.
Let’s get to the bottom of this topic.
What Is The Difference Between An Anthropologist And Archaeologist?
The two professions study the way of life of human beings, but they carry out their studies in different ways.
Anthropologists concentrate on the behavior and belief of people, while archaeologist study material remains of the past.
If you want to study the cultures and traditions of people, either of these professions could be a good fit.
However keep reading this piece and find out the job duties, education requirements, and career outlook for these two professions.
What is an Anthropologist?
These professionals study the human way of life, society, and behaviors. They concentrate on specific areas like linguistics, archaeology, or psychology.
They use their findings to help solve problems in society in other to improve the general welfare of the people.
You can find them working in academia, public agencies, and private companies. Most anthropologist mastermind fieldwork, which may involve living with a community to better understand their cultures and traditions.
While others work in laboratories, calculate data ad analyze artifacts. You must have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or any related field like sociology or psychology before you can become an anthropologist
What Is An Archaeologist?
An archaeologist studies, the history, and prehistory of human beings through the excavation of historical remains and analysis of artifacts.
You can find archaeologists working, in various settings like academic institutions, government agencies, and private companies.
These professionals specialize their research on a particular geographical location and period.
Archaeologists carry out their historical research through the use of shovels, trowels, picks, and many more.
Once they are done with excavation, archaeologists analyze artifacts and other historical remains to learn about the people that used those artifacts.
Finally, archaeologists also use radiocarbon dating and other archaeological methods to determine the age of the artifact.
Anthropologist vs. Archaeologist
Although these two professions are very similar, there are some notable differences between them, let’s check them out below.
1. Job Duties
As stated earlier anthropologists and archeologists both study human history, but their research concentrates on different aspects of humanity.
They study how people interact with each other to survive in their environment to better understand the origin of their culture and development.
They conduct research to help modern society solve the recurring problems of the past. Materials like artifacts, buildings, bones, and even irons are properly investigated to learn about the culture of the people of the past.
Archeologists work hard to preserve the remains of the past for future generations to study.
On the other hand, anthropologists apply the knowledge gotten from research to improve the affairs of society.
For instance, an anthropologist might study how floods affect a certain community and what steps can be taken to avert them from taking place the following year.
They work hand in hand with the community leaders to minimize damage and improve recovery efforts.
Finally, archaeologists also publish papers and give presentations about their research rather than using them to improve the current happenings in society.
2. Job Requirements
Before you can get a decent job as an archeologist or an anthologist you need at least a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or any related field.
However many research companies require a master’s degree or doctorate in history, anthropology, archaeology, or any related field to work with them.
These programs take 2 to 4 years to complete depending on the type of program and school you choose.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in anthropology or archaeology would include coursework in topics like cultural anthropology, history, archaeology methods, and ethnography.
During these programs, students would also have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, which can help them gain valuable experience in their chosen profession.
3. Work Environment
These two professionals often work in similar environments. You can find them working in laboratories or museums.
However, the type of environment archaeologists work in depends on the kind of research and findings they are working on.
Anthropologists on the other hand work in offices to study data and create reports for their research work.
Anthropologists and archaeologists also travel to different locations to observe people and record information about the community.
Finally, archaeologists usually spend more time, outdoors than anthropologists because they are searching for material remains, that are buried underground.
They also work in laboratories to help clean and preserve material remains before displaying these artifacts in museums.
4. Skills
You cannot progress in any of these professions, without having skills that are used to perform archaeological research.
You also need these skills to assist you in studying human culture, both past, and present. It allows students to develop theories about how these customs functioned and prompted interaction between people.
One essential skill you also need in this profession is critical thinking and strong analytical skills.
These skills can help you in analyzing the data gotten, from the sites without stress. It enables students to examine and interpret data gotten from an excavated site.
It also allows archaeologists and anthropologists to see patterns, in data that enable them to create connections between two artifacts.
Nonetheless, if you are aiming to become an archaeologist or anthropologist you also need to have good writing and communication skills
Archaeologists and anthropologists are always called from time to explain their findings to the public, and they cannot do this without strong communication and writing skills.
Anthropologists need stronger writing skills as they often write reports and articles for clients and organizations.
Finally, archaeologists typically write articles as well, but they may also need to be able to give presentations and reports about their work to the public or professional groups.
5. Curriculum
The main difference between the coursework, required for a degree in anthropology and a degree in archeology is the process of their research.
Anthropology students will complete more topics across the field of history and conclude only limited specialized coursework in the subfield of archeology.
Students majoring in archeology will develop a greater depth of knowledge in history but will cultivate a less comprehensive understanding of the larger field of geology because their coursework in areas like linguistic and cultural anthropology will be more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Archaeology An Anthropologist?
As stated earlier both professions are related, but what differentiates them is the processes of analyzing material remains.
Should Archaeology Be Part Of Anthropology?
In most cases archeologists and anthropologists work hand in hand, so yes archeology is one of the courses you would likely face in school as an anthropologist.
What Are The 4 Major Fields Of Anthropology?
Archaeology, Bioanthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Social-Cultural Anthropology are the major fields in anthropology.
How Many Years Does It Take To Become An Anthropologist?
It takes about four years of full-time studies to conclude an anthropology degree
What Is Most Likely To Be Studied By An Anthropologist?
Social and political organizations, marriage patterns and kinship systems, subsistence and economic patterns, and religious beliefs of different societies are some of the courses you would take during your undergraduate degree program in anthropology.
What Are People Who Dig Up Bones Called?
People who dig up bones, fossils, and specimens out of the ground for research purposes are called Paleontologists.
Do Archaeologists Study Human Bones?
Yes, in most cases archaeologists study human animals, plant remains, and stone tools.
Is Archaeology A Science Or History?
Archaeology can be regarded as both a social science and an area of the humanities.
Is Anthropology Hard To Study?
The simple answer is no, it can only be considered a hard degree if the places for research are inaccessible.
Conclusion.
We hope this blog post has settled your argument on the differences between anthropologists and archaeologists. Now you the skills and duties of anthropologists and archaeologists.
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