The Expansion & Development Of Anthropology In The 20th & 21st Centuries

In the 20th and 21st centuries, anthropology—the study of people and their cultural, social, and biological aspects—has significantly expanded and developed. Anthropology has developed from its colonial beginnings in the 19th century into a multidisciplinary academic discipline with a worldwide perspective.
The main advancements and changes that have influenced anthropology during the past several decades are examined in this article.

1. Boasian Revolution:
Named after Franz Boas, a well-known name in American anthropology, the Boasian Revolution first appeared in the 20th century. By focusing on cultural relativism, Boas criticized the ethnocentrism that characterized early anthropological research. He advised anthropologists to study civilizations objectively and advised against categorizing societies according to their phases of development. The present field of cultural anthropology was founded on this paradigm shift.

2. Ethnography & Cultural Anthropology:
The field of anthropology has broadened its scope to encompass cultural anthropology, which examines modern societies and their practices. When anthropologists wanted to comprehend and record different cultural facets, beliefs, rituals, and social structures, ethnography emerged as a popular technique. Participant observation has increased the breadth and precision of anthropological investigations.

3. Applied Anthropology:
In the middle of the 20th century, anthropology started to expand outside scholarly inquiry. As anthropological concepts and methodology were used to solve contemporary problems, the area of applied anthropology arose as a distinct discipline. To promote constructive change and intercultural understanding, applied anthropologists engaged in development projects, public health efforts, community development, and other practical situations.

4. Biological Anthropology:
Cultural anthropology's field of study was paralleled by the expansion of biological anthropology. This area focuses on the evolution of humans, primatology, genetics, and the examination of human populations and skeletal remains. Technology advancements like DNA analysis have made it possible for researchers to learn more about genetic variety and human ancestry.
Cultural anthropology's field of study was paralleled by the expansion of biological anthropology. This area focuses on the evolution of humans, primatology, genetics, and the examination of human populations and skeletal remains. Technology advancements like DNA analysis have made it possible for researchers to learn more about genetic variety and human ancestry.

5. Globalization & Transnational Anthropology:
In the age of globalization, the 21st century brings both new opportunities and problems for anthropologists. In an increasingly linked world, anthropologists started to examine transnational flows of culture, people, and ideas to better understand how societies are interrelated. The study of migration, diaspora, and cultural hybridity became hot topics.

6. Digital Anthropology:
Technology advancements led to the emergence of the area of "digital anthropology," which studies how digital technologies affect human communities. Social media, online communities, and digital communication have changed how people connect and how cultures operate, opening up new research opportunities in anthropology.

7. Anthropology & Environmental Concerns:
As environmental issues and climate change gained prominence in the twenty-first century, anthropologists began to look at how people interact with their surroundings. Environmental anthropology looked at how various civilizations affected their environments and how societies responded to ecological problems.

Conclusion, Over the past two centuries, anthropology has undergone a considerable evolution, changing from a Eurocentric, colonial study to a diversified, interdisciplinary profession with a worldwide perspective. Greater inclusiveness, reflexivity, and practical applications have been brought about by the growth of anthropology in the 20th and 21st centuries. Anthropology will likely play a significant role in comprehending the intricacies of human existence and promoting cultural awareness and respect as the globe continues to evolve.