Ethnography vs. Anthropology: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Ethnography is a research method within anthropology focused on studying cultures through observation and participation. Anthropology is the broader academic discipline that studies human societies, cultures, and behaviors.
Key Differences
Ethnography is a specialized research method within the field of anthropology. It involves studying human societies by participating and observing in the day-to-day life of the community. Anthropology, on the other hand, is a much broader academic field that studies human societies and cultures through various lenses, including history, linguistics, and biology.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
While ethnography is primarily concerned with the detailed description of a specific cultural group, anthropology seeks to make generalizations about human behavior and society. Ethnography focuses on the "here and now," often through fieldwork, whereas anthropology may involve historical or comparative research, and could include studies on linguistics, archaeology, or even human evolution.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
From a grammatical perspective, both words function as nouns but have different usages. Ethnography tends to be used in contexts specific to cultural studies and fieldwork, often followed by the culture being studied, as in "an ethnography of the Yanomami tribe." Anthropology, however, is often followed by another term that specifies its sub-discipline, as in "cultural anthropology" or "biological anthropology."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In summary, ethnography is a tool or method employed within anthropology for understanding specific cultures through in-depth study and firsthand experience. Anthropology is the overarching field of study that employs various methods and disciplines to understand the complexities of human society and behavior.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Academic Sub-Discipline
Usually no sub-disciplines
Has various sub-disciplines
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Grammatical Role
Noun, specific to cultural studies
Noun, often followed by a sub-discipline
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Ethnography and Anthropology Definitions
Ethnography
Fieldwork in cultural studies
She conducted an ethnography among the indigenous people.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
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Anthropology
Broad academic discipline
Anthropology encompasses linguistics and archaeology.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Ethnography
Qualitative research method
Ethnography relies on extensive interviews.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Anthropology
Study of human cultures
His field of anthropology focused on ancient civilizations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Ethnography
Participant observation
His ethnography required living with the community.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
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Ethnography
Descriptive study of culture
The ethnography captured the tribe's customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Anthropology
Investigation of human behavior
Anthropology can help explain social norms.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Ethnography
In-depth societal analysis
His ethnography examined gender roles in the village.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Anthropology
Examination of human development
Anthropology looks at how societies evolve.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Ethnography
The branch of anthropology that deals with the description of specific human cultures, using methods such as close observation and interviews.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Anthropology
The scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Ethnography
(anthropology) The branch of anthropology that scientifically describes specific human cultures and societies.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Ethnography
That branch of knowledge which has for its subject the characteristics of the human family, developing the details with which ethnology as a comparative science deals; descriptive ethnology. See Ethnology.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Ethnography
The branch of anthropology that provides scientific description of individual human societies
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Anthropology
That manner of expression by which the inspired writers attribute human parts and passions to God. See also anthropopathite, anthropopathism, anthropomorphist.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
Anthropology
The social science that studies the origins and social relationships of human beings
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 09, 2023
FAQs
Is ethnography a part of anthropology?
Yes, ethnography is a research method within anthropology.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is ethnography only about fieldwork?
Primarily, though it can involve other research methods like interviews.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Does anthropology study modern societies?
Yes, it studies both ancient and modern societies.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
What are the sub-disciplines of anthropology?
Cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeological anthropology are common sub-disciplines.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is anthropology only about humans?
Primarily, though it can also study human ancestors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
What does anthropology encompass?
Anthropology studies human societies, cultures, and behaviors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can ethnography be quantitative?
It is predominantly qualitative but can include quantitative elements.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
What's the goal of ethnography?
To provide a detailed description of a specific cultural group.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can ethnography be biased?
Like any method, it can be, which is why researchers aim for objectivity.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
How long does ethnographic research usually take?
It can vary, often lasting from several months to a few years.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Who conducts ethnographies?
Typically anthropologists, but also researchers in sociology, education, and other disciplines.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
What is biological anthropology?
It focuses on the physical aspects of human beings, including evolution and genetics.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is anthropology scientific?
It can be both scientific and humanistic, depending on the approach.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
What is cultural anthropology?
It's a sub-discipline of anthropology focused on studying contemporary human cultures.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can you do an ethnography on your own culture?
Yes, this is known as "autoethnography."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
