Anthropology Paper Topics

According to Merriam-Webster (2015), anthropology can be defined as the science of human beings and the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to phenomena. These phenomena would include but are not limited to physical character, environment, social relations and culture (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Types of anthropology include biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, medical anthropology, linguistics anthropology and archaeology. By its nature, the field of anthropology is a multidisciplinary  construct. For example, archaeology and linguistics would be closely related to cultural elements. Anthropology teaches humans about themselves and how they have developed as a species. In addition, it provides a foundation for interpreting events and predicting future behavioral patterns in relation to stimuli. Most topics within the spectrum of liberal arts education could be examined through an anthropological lens.

Anthropology Paper Topics

The professional staff at PowerPapers.com are equipped to navigate the interdisciplinary perspectives necessary for anthropological inquiry. In addition, they are equipped to help students select anthropological studies that are symmetrical to instructor needs as well as the interests of that particular student. Whether the student is in need of short ethnographic analyses of an observed event or a complete Master’s project on an in depth anthropological study, PowerPapers.com is equally comfortable and capable seeing projects from their inception to their completion. For your anthropology paper topic needs, Powerpapers.com’s staff can be reached by email for placing an order through our secure server or for questions regarding potential topics.

40+ Interesting Anthropology Research Paper Topics

One of the most complicated elements of anthropological exploration is the need for objectivity. When examining other cultures or past historical events, the researcher is doing so through the eyes and perspective of all of those elements that have influenced their respective lives. Objectivity, as a result, can never be absolute. All researchers are potentially biased by their own experiences, their own knowledge base, their own prejudices and their own time period. Though this can never be fully removed, anthropological exploration necessitates particular care and objectivity for producing valid results. In addition, it is also necessary for anthropological researchers to understand when and where such biases may be present in an interpretation. Beyond topic selection, therefore, there is a process for anthropological paper completion in regards to objectivity that makes it different than other fields of inquiry.

Below is a list of some topics that would fall within the spectrum of anthropological paper topics. This list is by no means exhaustive, however, it was crafted with the intent to illustrate different directions of inquiry that could be embraced within one or more of the anthropological fields of study. In addition, they illustrate other possibilities for cross curricular analysis for non majors. While PowerPapers.com staff members can complete projects of various sizes on any of the following topics, the same list could be used as a starting point for students to use to select their own project.

1. Anthropological theory and human evolution
2. Peru’s Quechua people
3. Women in Lakota Sioux culture
4. Environmental anthropology and contemporary policy
5. Medical anthropology
6. The influence of culture, health and illness on human society
7. HIV/AIDs: A global perspective
8. Biological anthropology and human social patterns
9. Biological anthropology and human warfare
10. Human biological variability and social interactions
11. The Western impact on North American indigenous peoples
12. Folklore and primitive society
13. Savage, primitive and tribal: Labels and the evolution of perspectives on indigenous people
14. Cities and the modern man
15. Automation and changing patterns of human behavior
16. Biology and culture: Influences on human society
17. Cultural anthropology and its links to political science
18. Critical race theory
19. Cultural assimilation
20. Franz Fanon and the impact of colonialism
21. Cultural imperialism and modern media
22. Ethnic cleansing: Genocide in the human experience
23. Interracial couples in Islamic society
24. Racial identity and stereotypes
25. Ancient civilizations: The Aztec and Maya
26. Lord of the Flies: An anthropological exploration of human behavior
27. Religious diversity in Turkey
28. Coming of age in contemporary Jewish families
29. Similarities and differences in Asian and American hip hop
30. Trekies: The subculture of the Star Trek franchise
31. Political correctness in the 21st Century
32. Barack Obama: Implications of the first African American President
33. A history of Warfare: John Keegan and cultural/biological aggression
34. Hunter gatherer societies
35. Pagan festivals and rituals
36. Underwater anthropology and the advancement of human knowledge
37. The evolution of the modern Western celebration of Halloween
38. A television analysis: Modern Family & Will & Grace; changing definitions of the family unit
39. Growing old in Western culture
40. Deviant behavior and cultural implications
41. Concepts of childhood in emergent economies

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References

Merriam-Webster. (2015). Anthropology. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropology