What is the difference between anthropology and sociology?

What is the difference between Anthropology and Sociology?

• I can't decide whether to take sociology or anthropology this semester.. what are the differences between the 2 and which do you think is more interesting? thanks :)

• Answer:

  Great question!!! They overlap a bit, but perhaps I can help. I am biased as an anthropologist- but the biggest differences are these: Sociology ususally just studies current cultures- usually based upon the understanding of the one you are living in. Anthropology studies not just culture, also has several subbranches and specialties, which make it that much more fascinating (to me.) - Linguisitcs (The study of language) -Genetics - Archaeology (The best in my opinion) - Other cultures in current and past societies, and how they were altered by the introduction of new populations. Basically, the biggest difference is time. Sociologists study current cultures, whereas anthropologists study both current and past, and usually not in a westernized context, but rather in a very objective way. Like I said, I'm biased. ;) As for deciding- look at the class descriptions and get to know each professor- see who you like better. Most classes have a "theme" to them i.e. mexican immigration, african american studies, gender studies, (All sociology courses)