Why might one want to study anthropology? (degrees, public schools, careers)

[RobertFisher]

My kid is approaching college application age. I asked what he might want to major in, he gave pretty shocking answers to me. His top choices are:

1. Anthropology
2. History
3. "Something related to society and culture"

I know all about the debate to let kids choose what they want to study; hopefully we can bypass that. My issue here is, an anthropology degree seems very very useless to me. (and History is a close second)

I asked him why he's interested in anthropology, and he says he's just curious about human behaviors and how humans came about.

Is this a good enough reason?! Not quite to me. I wonder if there is something else.

So I want to ask the education experts... What are the most common reasons people may choose to study anthropology?

[Archaic]

I'm not an anthropologist, but I have friends and colleagues who earned their BA in anthropology. They went on to become, usually but not always after graduate school:


art historian
curator
anthropologist
archaeologist
lawyer
NGO administrator
university administrator
doctor
economist

[Pitt Chick]

From a college website:

"What can UM anthropology majors do after graduation?

Ecotourism, field archaeology, impact assessment, information research, museum technology, immigration inspection, historical preservation, bilingual education, international business, national park interpretation, documentary filmmaking, genetics counseling, education, management, energy resources, medicine, architecture, foreign service, travel industry, construction, contracting, law, library sciences, nursing, real estate."

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

My kid is approaching college application age. I asked what he might want to major in, he gave pretty shocking answers to me. His top choices are:

1. Anthropology
2. History
3. "Something related to society and culture"

I know all about the debate to let kids choose what they want to study; hopefully we can bypass that. My issue here is, an anthropology degree seems very very useless to me. (and History is a close second)

I asked him why he's interested in anthropology, and he says he's just curious about human behaviors and how humans came about.

Is this a good enough reason?! Not quite to me. I wonder if there is something else.

So I want to ask the education experts... What are the most common reasons people may choose to study anthropology?

It's his life...not yours. So yes, it's a good enough reason.

[kayanne]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

It's his life...not yours. So yes, it's a good enough reason.

Depends on who is paying for it, or if the student will be taking on a huge amount of debt. To me, going into $200,000 or more of debt (or burning through that much of mom and dad's money) is excessive for a degree that does not lead to a lucrative job. But I'm a very practical person who paid my own way through college, so I'm sure that colors my opinion.

[considerforamoment]

I took a graduate coarse in cultural anthropology, and it was the best, most interesting, most informative class I ever took.

Please don't try to micromanage your kid. It's their education. If you're paying, and don't want to, let the kid know and leave him to study whatever he wants.

[StealthRabbit]

As long as your kid is paying his own way through college... it's his money and time, and his interests may lead him to a very productive and happy life and career.

How many jobs and exposure to different people groups has this kid had?

Could be time for a yr abroad (on his dime). Many kids from other countries do this, but not so much for USA. there are some very attractive work visas available, especally with current employment situation.

One friend sent each of his boys away after HS to different countries (with a one-way ticket). To someone he knew would make sure they didn't drown.

This gave them a chance to make it on their own (decisions, finances, future, career, spouse, fun...) . They could come back home if they could figure out how to get there. None of them really wanted to come back, and each are now adults and very well adjusted. Two eventually came back and took up residence and careers nearby.

Everyone turned out fine.

Give your kid wings, watch them soar.
You will be amazed.

[joe from dayton]

He gave you a reason. You are just discounting it.

I know two successful lawyers who have history degrees. I knew another guy who worked in conservation for the US Air Force.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by kayanne

Depends on who is paying for it, or if the student will be taking on a huge amount of debt. To me, going into $200,000 or more of debt (or burning through that much of mom and dad's money) is excessive for a degree that does not lead to a lucrative job. But I'm a very practical person who paid my own way through college, so I'm sure that colors my opinion.

I don't agree. The kid will work for 30 or more years, and it ought to be in a career he chooses. Only a selfish parent would insist otherwise.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

I don't agree. The kid will work for 30 or more years, and it ought to be in a career he chooses. Only a selfish parent would insist otherwise.

or... properly EQUIP their kids BEFORE college. (For choices and finances)

Ours each had ~$100k (earnings) by the time they needed it for college. (Probably more than I had available at that time).
They had each lived in 5+ countries, and did the daily currency exchange and interfacing with vendors at daily fresh markets. "Hey kid, why aren't you in SCHOOL " as well as many volunteer opportunites at home and abroad with wide variety of people groups and needs, (including public schools)

College was CHEAP for them (free! in my state instead of attending HS).

I trust they are well enough equipped to not have to w-o-r-k for 30 yrs AFTER college! (They each exited college with far more $$ than they had when they started college.)

Many ways to skin the cat. *

One even studied History and Anthropology (for fun and degree, but income / career is only augmented by their previous studies) Managing LOTS of diverse people and projects.

*we really enjoyed State Fair season as usual... talking with kids about their 4H projects. One 12 yo had collected over $20k on ONE of (6) animals she took to the fair. All things are possible, she has PLANS for her 'self funded' college... 4-6 yrs in the future.