How is Anthropology different from other social sciences?

Scope

Studies biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological aspects of human existence

Focuses on specific aspects such as social structures, individual behavior, or economic systems

Methodology

Uses participant observation, ethnography, surveys, interviews, and archaeological excavation

Utilizes methodologies such as experiments, surveys, statistical analysis, and case studies

Cross-cultural Perspective

Emphasizes the study of diverse cultures and societies around the world

May focus primarily on a particular cultural or social context

Longitudinal Perspective

Studies social and cultural change over time, including historical processes and evolutionary trends

May focus more on contemporary phenomena without as much emphasis on historical or evolutionary perspectives

Holistic Approach

Integrates insights from different subfields, including cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology

May focus more narrowly on one subfield or perspective

Emphasis on Cultural Relativism

Emphasizes cultural relativism, understanding behaviors and beliefs within their cultural context

May or may not emphasize cultural relativism depending on the specific discipline and approach