Short Answer

Anthropology aims to study human beings in a complete and scientific way. Its main objective is to understand human origin, evolution, culture, behaviour, and social life. It tries to explain how humans have developed physically and culturally from ancient times to the present.

Another important objective of Anthropology is to understand human diversity and promote cultural understanding between different societies. It also helps in solving real life problems related to health, education, and development by applying anthropological knowledge.

Detailed Explanation:

Objectives of Anthropology

Anthropology is the scientific study of human beings. It has several important objectives that help in understanding humans in a complete and meaningful way. These objectives focus on studying human origin, development, culture, behaviour, and social life. Anthropology does not only describe human life but also tries to explain and compare it in different contexts.

The main purpose of Anthropology is to create a deep understanding of human beings as biological and cultural creatures. It studies both past and present human life to build a complete picture of humanity.

Study of Human Origin and Evolution

One of the main objectives of Anthropology is to study the origin and evolution of human beings. It tries to find out how humans originated and how they developed from early ancestors to modern humans. Physical Anthropology plays an important role in this objective by studying fossils, bones, and biological evidence.

It explains how humans changed physically over time, such as changes in brain size, posture, and body structure. This helps us understand the biological journey of human beings from ancient times to the present.

Understanding Human Culture

Another important objective of Anthropology is to study human culture. Culture includes customs, traditions, beliefs, language, religion, and daily life practices. Cultural Anthropology focuses on understanding how different societies live and how their cultures develop and change.

It also studies how culture is passed from one generation to another. By studying culture, Anthropology helps us understand the diversity of human life and the different ways people think and behave in different parts of the world.

Study of Human Behaviour and Society

Anthropology also aims to study human behaviour in society. Social Anthropology focuses on social relationships such as family, marriage, kinship, and community life. It helps us understand how people interact with each other and how societies are organized.

This objective is important because human behaviour is shaped by social and cultural factors. Anthropology explains why people behave differently in different societies and how social systems influence human life.

Understanding Human Diversity

One of the key objectives of Anthropology is to understand human diversity. Humans differ in language, culture, religion, physical features, and lifestyle. Anthropology studies these differences in a scientific way.

Instead of judging differences, Anthropology tries to explain them. It shows that diversity is a natural part of human life. This understanding helps promote respect and tolerance among different communities.

Application of Knowledge

Anthropology also aims to apply its knowledge to solve real life problems. This is known as Applied Anthropology. It is used in areas like health, education, rural development, and social welfare.

For example, anthropologists help in improving healthcare systems by studying community needs. They also help in planning development programs by understanding local culture and traditions. This objective makes Anthropology very practical and useful.

Promotion of Human Welfare

Another important objective of Anthropology is to promote human welfare. By studying human societies, Anthropology helps in improving living conditions and solving social problems like poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

It provides knowledge that can be used by governments and organizations to create better policies for society. It also helps in promoting peace and understanding among different cultural groups.

Scientific Study of Humans

Anthropology aims to study humans in a scientific and systematic way. It uses observation, comparison, and fieldwork methods to collect information. This scientific approach helps in making accurate and reliable conclusions about human life.

It also combines knowledge from other fields like biology, history, sociology, and archaeology to make the study more complete and meaningful.

Conclusion

The main objectives of Anthropology are to study human origin, evolution, culture, behaviour, and social life in a scientific way. It also aims to understand human diversity and apply knowledge for human welfare. Anthropology helps in creating a complete understanding of human beings and promotes better communication and harmony among different societies.