I am a human, and nothing human can be of indifference to me. 

                                                     -Terence, The Self-Torturer

In its simplest form, anthropology is the study of humankind. In the United States, this encompasses the fields of archeology, biological (or physical) anthropology, cultural anthropology, applied (or practicing) anthropology and linguistics.

Anthropologists investigate many of the same issues as journalists, including social issues such as race relations, public housing, health care and aging. As the world grows smaller and our population becomes increasingly diverse, anthropological knowledge becomes more and more useful to assist in understanding the often complex variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds that comprise the human race, not only internationally but in our own communities.

Traditionally, anthropologists have been associated with universities or museums, but today, they also work in industry and the private sector. Applied anthropologists can be found in government, corporations and nonprofit settings –working as planners, researchers, managers and strategists who use the knowledge, skills and perspectives of the discipline to help solve human problems and facilitate change.

To get a sample of the wide variety of what anthropologists do, visit the websites of the 38 separate sections of the Association. Want more information? Browse our on-line brochure.