cultural anthropology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-Frequency AcademicAcademic / Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “cultural anthropology” mean?
The branch of anthropology that studies the social, symbolic, and material aspects of human cultures, including beliefs, practices, values, and languages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The branch of anthropology that studies the social, symbolic, and material aspects of human cultures, including beliefs, practices, values, and languages.
The systematic study and comparison of diverse human societies and cultures, with a focus on understanding meaning, symbolism, and lived experience from an insider's perspective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'social anthropology' is historically more dominant as a discipline label, though 'cultural anthropology' is widely understood and used, especially in a global context. In the US, 'cultural anthropology' is the standard primary term.
Connotations
In UK contexts, 'social anthropology' might imply a stronger focus on kinship, politics, and economics. 'Cultural anthropology' can carry connotations of a more interpretative, symbolic, and meaning-focused approach.
Frequency
The term is significantly more frequent in American academic discourse than in British. A UK scholar might identify as a 'social anthropologist', while an American scholar would identify as a 'cultural anthropologist'.
Grammar
How to Use “cultural anthropology” in a Sentence
N + of + N (e.g., the cultural anthropology of religion)Adjective + N (e.g., linguistic cultural anthropology)N + verb (e.g., cultural anthropology examines...)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cultural anthropology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Noun only; not used as a verb]
American English
- [Noun only; not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The cultural anthropological perspective is crucial.
- She presented a cultural-anthropological analysis of the festival.
American English
- His research takes a cultural anthropological approach.
- They engaged in cultural-anthropological fieldwork for two years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'applying cultural anthropology to understand consumer behavior'.
Academic
Primary context. Used in course titles, department names, research publications, and conference themes.
Everyday
Very rare. A layperson might simply say 'studying cultures' or 'anthropology'.
Technical
Standard term within anthropology and related social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cultural anthropology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cultural anthropology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cultural anthropology”
- Confusing it with sociology (which focuses more on modern, complex societies and statistical data).
- Misspelling as 'cultural antropology'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'travelogue' or casual observation of other cultures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While both study human societies, cultural anthropology traditionally emphasizes in-depth, qualitative study of all human cultures (often smaller-scale), focusing on meaning and insider perspectives. Sociology often focuses more on quantitative analysis of structures and institutions within complex, modern societies.
No. Ethnography is the primary research method of cultural anthropology—the detailed description of a particular culture based on fieldwork. Cultural anthropology is the broader discipline that uses ethnography, develops theories, and compares findings across cultures.
Beyond academia, graduates work in user experience (UX) research, international development, museum curation, market research, public health, human resources (diversity and inclusion), and community advocacy, applying skills in cultural analysis, empathy, and qualitative research.
Its history is intertwined with colonialism, and early work was sometimes ethnocentric. Modern practice emphasizes reflexivity (the researcher's own position), ethical fieldwork, giving voice to communities, and challenging power imbalances, but debates about representation and theory persist.
The branch of anthropology that studies the social, symbolic, and material aspects of human cultures, including beliefs, practices, values, and languages.
Cultural anthropology is usually academic / technical / formal in register.
Cultural anthropology: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌltʃ(ə)rəl ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌltʃ(ə)rəl ˌænθrəˈpɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CULTURAL = the 'software' of societies (customs, beliefs). ANTHROPOLOGY = study of humans. Together, it's the study of human societal 'software'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURE IS A TEXT (to be read and interpreted), CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY IS A LENS/TOOL FOR DECODING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary focus of cultural anthropology?