The scope of anthropology
Scope: - The scope of anthropology has changed over the years, from the
science of man to the science in the service of man.
As a science of man, anthropology studies man holistically- from
biological, social, cultural economic and political point of view. physical
anthropology studies origin and biological background of man by the study
of evolution, primatologist and fossil man; and biological characteristic and
genetic variability of man by the study of genetics, race, effect of in
inbreeding/consanguinity, nutrition etc.
Anthropology studies social aspect of man in term of marriage,
family, kinship, group, caste, varna, band, tribe, etc.
Anthropology studies cultural aspect of man through the study of
culture, civilization, religion, magic, totem, taboo etc.
Anthropology studies economic aspect of man through the
comparative study of primitive and modern economy, gift and ceremonial
exchange, Barter and trade, tribal market etc.
Anthropology studies political aspect of man through the
comparative study of state and stateless political system, law & justice in
tribal societies etc.
Now, the scope of Anthropology has outgrown from its traditional
concern of science of man, and has transformed into science in the service
of man.The generalization “Anthropology in the service of humanity”
was a question in 1987 civil services.