Is Anthropology “The Study of Man”?

Authors

John L. Sorenson

Keywords

Anthropology

Abstract

Anthropology literally means "the study of man." However, does anthropology live up to its name? Although traditional anthropological methods worked in the study of societies in the past, traditional anthropology doesn't work as well in the study of modern complex societies. The author cites his own experience studying peoples in Utah, Venezuela, and Vietnam to highlight the problems with a traditional approach. The author feels that in order to have a truly comprehensive, unified, and systematic study of man, anthropology needs to unite with other similar scientific disciplines.

Recommended Citation

Sorenson, John L. (1964) "Is Anthropology “The Study of Man”?," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol5/iss2/6