Sociology and anthropology combine scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of society.
They examine how culture, social structures (groups, organizations and communities) and social institutions (family, education, religion, etc.) affect human attitudes, actions and life-chances.
<h3>What is Anthropology?</h3>Anthropology is the study, analysis, and description of humanity’s past and present. Questions about the past include prehistoric origins and human evolution. The study of contemporary humanity focuses on biological and cultural diversity, including language.
<u>Goals of Anthropology:</u>
- Firstly, one of the main goals of an anthropologist is to understand the fossil record of early humans and their ancestors as well as the archaeological record of more recent prehistoric societies.
- Secondly, to understand how we adapt to different environmental conditions and how we vary as a species.
- Thirdly, to understand the behavior of monkeys and apes in their natural settings.
- Fourthly, is to learn about both the biological and cultural aspects of humanity around the globe and throughout time.
- Fifty goals of anthropology are to apply anthropological knowledge to help prevent or solve problems of living peoples, including poverty, drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behavior. Sociology is a discipline in social sciences concerned with human society and human social activities.
Auguste Comte, a French social thinker, is traditionally known as the “Father of Sociology” as he coined the term ‘Sociology’ in 1839.
<u>Goals of Sociology:</u>
The ultimate goal of sociology is to acquire knowledge about society like all the other social sciences discipline, as Samuel Koenig has pointed out the ultimate aim of sociology is ” to improve man’s adjustment to life by developing objective knowledge concerning social phenomena which can be used to deal effectively with social problems”.
- To understand how membership in one’s social group affects individual behavior.
- To understand the meaning and consequences of modernity, postmodernity and the new globalization.
- Understand the meaning and consequences of modernity, postmodernity and the new globalization.
- Understand how cultures and institutions interact in different societies.
- Understand the causes and consequences of social change in terms of general causes and effects as well as unique historical circumstances.
- Understand the causes and consequences of population composition and pressures and how population affects the environment and development of societies.
- To provide information that reflects upon different policy initiatives.
Social Science, any branch of academic study or science that deals with human behavior in its social and cultural aspects.
Usually included within the social sciences are cultural (or social) anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, and economics.
<u>Goals of Social Science :</u>
- It will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics that are required to meet the challenges faced by diverse individuals, groups, organizations and communities in a changing global environment.
- It will learn to communicate clearly, intelligently, and effectively, in both writing and speaking, in their academic as well as professional careers.
- Its will develop a sense of social responsibility and commitment to equity in a multicultural and multiracial society and apply these values in working with individuals and families, creating learning environments, and collaborating with community members and agencies.
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