Anthropology vs. History: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Anthropology" studies human societies and cultures and their development, while "History" examines past events, particularly in human affairs.
Key Differences
"Anthropology" and "History" both explore facets of humanity, but through different lenses. "Anthropology" delves into human societies and cultures, focusing on their evolution, behaviors, beliefs, and structures. It's a holistic discipline that might study anything from ancient skeletal remains to modern urban societies.
"History," on the other hand, is an academic discipline that seeks to understand and interpret past events. While "Anthropology" often focuses on broader societal patterns and structures, "History" often delves into specific events, figures, or periods, piecing together narratives based on evidence like documents, artifacts, and testimonies.
The methodologies of "Anthropology" and "History" also differ. Anthropologists might live within communities to understand their cultures (ethnography) or excavate ancient sites. Historians often rely on archival research, interpreting texts, or analyzing material culture from a specific time frame.
Despite these differences, there's overlap between "Anthropology" and "History." Anthropologists might use historical data to understand cultural evolution, while historians might employ anthropological insights to grasp the societal context of a particular era.
In essence, while "Anthropology" provides a deep understanding of human cultures and societies, "History" offers insights into the events and narratives that have shaped the course of human affairs.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Human societies and cultures
Past events, particularly in human affairs
Methodology
Ethnography, excavation, participant observation
Archival research, interpretation of texts and artifacts
Time Frame
Often timeless or spanning vast periods
Typically confined to specific periods
Scope
Broad societal patterns, behaviors, beliefs
Specific events, figures, or narratives
Interdisciplinary Overlap
Might use historical data
May employ anthropological insights for context
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Anthropology and History Definitions
Anthropology
The study of human societies and cultures
Anthropology helps us understand diverse worldviews.
History
The continuum of events occurring in succession from the past to the present
History is a tapestry woven from countless stories.
Anthropology
The examination of human biological and cultural evolution
Modern Anthropology often bridges both biological and cultural studies.
History
An account or narration of events in chronological order
The History of Rome is filled with emperors and battles.
Anthropology
The holistic investigation of humanity across time and space
Anthropology provides insights from prehistoric times to contemporary societies.
History
A record or narrative description of past events
World History encompasses diverse cultures and timelines.
Anthropology
A discipline exploring human behavior, beliefs, and communication
Anthropology can explain why certain rituals or customs exist.
History
The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings
Through History, we learn from our predecessors' triumphs and mistakes.
Anthropology
The analysis of human diversity and commonality across the globe
Anthropology underscores both our differences and shared traits.
History
A chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events
A history of the Vikings.
Anthropology
The scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans.
History
A formal written account of related natural phenomena
A history of volcanoes.
Anthropology
That part of Christian theology concerning the genesis, nature, and future of humans, especially as contrasted with the nature of God
"changing the church's anthropology to include more positive images of women" (Priscilla Hart).
History
A record of a patient's general medical background
Took the patient's history.
Anthropology
The holistic scientific and social study of humanity, mainly using ethnography as its method.
According to anthropology, there are six basic patterns of kinship terminology (i.e., "kin naming systems"): Sudanese, Hawaiian, Eskimo, Crow, Omaha, and Iroquois.
History
An established condition or pattern of behavior
An inmate with a history of mental illness and drug abuse.
Anthropology
The science of the structure and functions of the human body.
History
The branch of knowledge that records and analyzes past events
"History has a long-range perspective" (Elizabeth Gurley Flynn).
Anthropology
The science of man, including the study of the ditribution of physical and cultural attributes in relation to man's origin, location, history, and environment; - sometimes used in a limited sense to mean the study of man as an object of natural history, or as an animal.
History
The past events relating to a particular thing
The history of their rivalry is full of intrigue.
Anthropology
That manner of expression by which the inspired writers attribute human parts and passions to God. See also anthropopathite, anthropopathism, anthropomorphist.
History
The aggregate of past events or human affairs
Basic tools used throughout history.
Anthropology
The social science that studies the origins and social relationships of human beings
History
An interesting past
A house with history.
History
Something that belongs to the past
Their troubles are history now.
History
(Slang) One that is no longer worth consideration
Why should we worry about him? He's history!.
History
A drama based on historical events
The histories of Shakespeare.
History
The aggregate of past events.
History repeats itself if we don’t learn from its mistakes.
History
The branch of knowledge that studies the past; the assessment of notable events.
He teaches history at the university.
History will not look kindly on these tyrants.
He dreams of an invention that will make history.
History
The portion of the past that is known and recorded by this field of study, as opposed to all earlier and unknown times that preceded it (prehistory).
In all of human history and prehistory
In all recorded history
History
(countable) A set of events involving an entity.
What is your medical history?
The family's history includes events best forgotten.
A long and sordid history
History
(countable) A record or narrative description of past events.
I really enjoyed Shakespeare's tragedies more than his histories.
A short history of post-Columbian colonization
History
A list of past and continuing medical conditions of an individual or family.
A personal medical history is required for the insurance policy.
He has a history of cancer in his family.
This diagnosis is usually based solely on the history and physical examination, although laboratory tests are occasionally also obtained.
History
A record of previous user events, especially of visited web pages in a browser.
I visited a great site yesterday but forgot the URL. Luckily, I didn't clear my history.
History
(informal) Something that no longer exists or is no longer relevant.
I told him that if he doesn't get his act together, he's history.
History
(uncountable) Shared experience or interaction.
There is too much history between them for them to split up now.
He has had a lot of history with the police.
History
(obsolete) To narrate or record.
History
A learning or knowing by inquiry; the knowledge of facts and events, so obtained; hence, a formal statement of such information; a narrative; a description; a written record; as, the history of a patient's case; the history of a legislative bill.
History
A systematic, written account of events, particularly of those affecting a nation, institution, science, or art, and usually connected with a philosophical explanation of their causes; a true story, as distinguished from a romance; - distinguished also from annals, which relate simply the facts and events of each year, in strict chronological order; from biography, which is the record of an individual's life; and from memoir, which is history composed from personal experience, observation, and memory.
Histories are as perfect as the historian is wise, and is gifted with an eye and a soul.
For aught that I could ever read,Could ever hear by tale or history.
What histories of toil could I declare!
Justly Cæsar scorns the poet's lays;It is to history he trusts for praise.
No more yet of this;For 't is a chronicle of day by day,Not a relation for a breakfast.
Many glorious examples in the annals of our religion.
History
To narrate or record.
History
The aggregate of past events;
A critical time in the school's history
History
The continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future;
All of human history
History
A record or narrative description of past events;
A history of France
He gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president
The story of exposure to lead
History
The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings;
He teaches Medieval history
History takes the long view
History
All that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing; a body of knowledge;
The dawn of recorded history
From the beginning of history
History
The study of past events and times
History teaches us about ancient civilizations and world wars.
FAQs
Can "Anthropology" include recent cultures?
Yes, "Anthropology" studies both ancient and contemporary cultures.
How do historians verify their sources?
Historians use methods like source criticism to evaluate the authenticity and reliability of sources.
How does "History" differ from memory?
While memory is a personal recollection, "History" seeks objective understanding and interpretation of past events.
Does "History" always involve written records?
No, "History" can use oral traditions, artifacts, and other non-written sources.
Are all historical accounts unbiased?
No, many historical accounts carry biases of their authors or era.
Is "Anthropology" only about remote tribes?
No, "Anthropology" studies all human societies, including urban and globalized contexts.
How does "Anthropology" contribute to global understanding?
By studying diverse cultures, "Anthropology" fosters understanding and appreciation of global diversity.
Do "Anthropology" and "History" study the same things?
While both study humanity, "Anthropology" focuses on cultures and societies, while "History" examines past events.
Can "Anthropology" study physical aspects of humans?
Yes, physical or biological "Anthropology" studies human evolution, physiology, and genetics.
How does "History" handle conflicting accounts?
Historians weigh evidence, context, and biases to interpret conflicting sources.
Why is fieldwork significant in "Anthropology"?
Fieldwork allows anthropologists to immerse in cultures, gaining firsthand understanding.
Can "History" influence present-day decisions?
Yes, understanding "History" can provide insights and lessons for current situations.
What's a primary source in "History"?
A document or artifact created during the time being studied, like diaries or official records.
Why study "History" if it's about the past?
Studying "History" provides insights into human nature, past mistakes, and societal evolution.
Does "Anthropology" study languages?
Yes, linguistic anthropology studies language in a cultural context.
Can "Anthropology" influence policy-making?
Yes, anthropological insights can inform policies, especially related to indigenous rights or cultural preservation.
Can "History" change with new discoveries?
Yes, new sources or interpretations can revise historical understandings.
Are there specialized branches within "Anthropology"?
Yes, including cultural, biological, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology.
Is "Anthropology" only academic?
No, applied anthropology works directly with communities to solve real-world issues.
Does "Anthropology" have ethical guidelines?
Yes, ensuring respect and rights of studied communities is fundamental in anthropological ethics.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
