Anthropology vs. Ethnography

Attribute	Anthropology	Ethnography
Definition	The study of human societies and cultures	The systematic study of people and cultures
Focus	Broader study of human societies	Specific study of a particular culture or group
Methods	Uses various methods such as participant observation, interviews, and surveys	Primarily relies on participant observation and interviews
Scope	Can encompass multiple cultures and societies	Focuses on a specific culture or group
Goal	To understand human societies and cultures	To provide a detailed description and analysis of a specific culture

Definition

Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures, and their development. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including language, history, biology, and archaeology. Anthropologists seek to understand the diversity of human experiences and behaviors across different societies and time periods.

Ethnography, on the other hand, is a research method within anthropology that involves the systematic observation and documentation of a particular culture or community. Ethnographers immerse themselves in the daily lives of the people they study, often living among them for an extended period of time to gain a deep understanding of their customs, beliefs, and practices.

Scope

Anthropology is a broad field that encompasses several sub-disciplines, including cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. Each sub-discipline focuses on different aspects of human society and culture, but they all share a common goal of understanding the complexities of human behavior and social organization.

Ethnography, on the other hand, is a specific research method that is used within the field of anthropology. While ethnography is a key tool for anthropologists to study and document different cultures, it is just one of many methods that anthropologists use to conduct their research.

Methods

Anthropologists use a variety of methods to study human societies and cultures, including participant observation, interviews, surveys, and archival research. They may also use quantitative data analysis techniques to analyze large datasets and identify patterns or trends in human behavior.

Ethnographers, on the other hand, primarily rely on participant observation as their main method of data collection. By immersing themselves in the culture they are studying, ethnographers are able to observe social interactions, rituals, and everyday practices firsthand, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of the culture from the inside.

Focus

Anthropology as a whole is concerned with understanding the diversity of human cultures and societies, as well as the similarities and differences that exist between them. Anthropologists may study everything from kinship systems in small-scale societies to the impact of globalization on contemporary cultures.

Ethnography, on the other hand, is focused on the detailed study of a specific culture or community. Ethnographers aim to provide a rich, descriptive account of the culture they are studying, often focusing on the everyday lives of individuals and the social dynamics that shape their behavior.

Applications

Anthropology has a wide range of practical applications, including informing public policy, conducting market research, and working in international development. Anthropologists may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, or academic institutions.

Ethnography, on the other hand, is primarily used within the field of anthropology for academic research purposes. Ethnographers may publish their findings in academic journals or books, or they may use their research to inform broader anthropological theories and debates.