Cultural Anthropology
Cultural anthropology studies humans and what it means to be a human, focusing attention at the things humans do, believe, experience, and create. Cultural anthropology asks many questions: What do people think and how do they live? What economic and spiritual practices do people engage in? How do people create social structures and understand power? How do they use language? How do they interact with animals, plants, and wider environments? And how do all these identities, practices, and relationships affect how people see themselves as humans?
Careers in Cultural Anthropology
Employers tend to value anthropology majors because they “get” people. They often hire anthropology majors for positions in advertising, marketing, human resources, user experience, or research design—jobs that depend on insight into human behaviors. This is especially prevalent now, when businesses are increasingly looking to foster inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. In fact, for anthropologists, the employment rate is projected to increase by 6 percent between 2021 and 2031.
Most anthropologists work in an “applied anthropology” position. That is, they use the theory and training of anthropology to aid in other fields such as humanitarianism and international development, journalism, public health, and cultural heritage. These applied anthropologists can work for corporations, governments, or nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations.
Careers in Cultural Anthropology
Advisor: Cultural Anthropology
Honors Program Director
hayesej@laccd.edu