• Who are we?
• Where did we come from?
• What is culture and what does it do?
• Why are people different on the other side of town, let alone the other side of the planet?

These are a few of the many questions motivating anthropologists in an attempt to comprehend the human condition in all of its facets, past and present. We recognize that we have one planet that is interconnected and in which anthropologists must advocate against global inequality.

Understanding that difference is what unites us as humans; we share diversities of our experiences, skills, observations and create communities in which we live and share together. Our identity in community is relational; nobody is anybody except in relation to somebody. Hence, in learning about peoples, cultures, and communities, we ultimately shine a mirror on ourselves and are able to come to a greater awareness of who we are in the world.

Why anthropology matters

• Anthropology is holistic: it considers people from every possible angle and considers every way of life (not just our own) and every place on earth, past and present.
• Anthropology is comparative: it compels us to situate ourselves in different global and historical contexts.
• Anthropology teaches about cultural diversity: learning about people’s lives that are vastly different from our own and yet how we are connected.

Anthropology thus teaches us to listen, be respectful of people and our planet, be community-oriented, and plan for our futures.

“The purpose of Anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences.” 
—Ruth Benedict, Anthropologist

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
—Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

“Anthropology’s real contribution lies… in its capacity to transform lives.”
—Tim Ingold, Anthropologist