Anthropology is a vast field focusing on exploring our evolutionary origins, tapping into different aspects of human experience, and studying how cultures and societies developed over time. The four branches of anthropology include archeology, cultural anthropology, bio anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. The work an anthropologist does revolves around the key concepts of culture, society, and evolution. From pursuing a career in anthropology to some mind-blowing facts, here are the things you didn’t know about this amazing field of anthropology.
1. Dunbar’s Number
The social relationships we keep influence our personality. As humans, we have a cognitive limit that keeps a threshold on how many stable social relationships an individual can maintain. This threshold called Dunbar’s number is suggested to be about 150, meaning that an individual can only maintain a stable social relationship with not more than 150 people.
Above that threshold, human behaviour changes drastically towards interacting less or showing positive traits like empathy. Robin Dunbar, an anthropologist suggested this cognitive limit. However, scientific research carried out suggested this cognitive limit varies greatly in individuals and the numbers can go above 500 in certain cases.
2. Pursuing a Career
Most people have a notion that choosing anthropology as a major leads to fewer job opportunities and career growth; this might not be the case at all. There are plenty of job opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in anthropology. Museums, human resources, marketing, healthcare, business, and public health are some major industries always in need of competent anthropologists.
If you have a passion to study the development of the human race, culture, and societies, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology will aid in building the foundation for your career ahead. There are even online anthropology degrees to enroll in that provide opportunities for fieldwork and gaining hands-on experience. A bachelor’s degree in anthropology can open opportunities for entry-level jobs in several major industries.
3. Genetic Diversity
The field of anthropology has assisted in exploring genetic diversity around the world. Humans thriving in the Subsaharan African region are the most genetically diverse than other populations. Regions other than Africa are heavily inclined towards inbreeding, resulting in lower genetic diversity. Inbreeding is a major factor leading to the division of the human species into different races.
4. Human Species
While we are the only human species alive, there were several human species like the Neanderthals throughout our evolutionary history that became extinct. The humans thriving today are believed to have descended from a single human race.
5. Simple Laws and Regulations
Archeological works reveal that human societies have thrived under simple laws, minimal economic regulations, and no governing bodies for thousands of years. Over time, the laws and regulations governing the land have always evolved towards complexity.
6. Human Ancestors
According to archeological studies, human and chimpanzee ancestors interbred roughly around 6 million years ago. There are tons of other mind-blowing facts and nuggets of knowledge each branch of anthropology has to offer.
Whether you want to pursue anthropology as a career or are just interested in learning about the evolution of human societies, cultures, and related aspects, learning from authentic resources is crucial. Undoubtedly, anthropology lets you gain knowledge of our race and experience life from a different perspective.