Cultural anthropology studies human societies, cultures, and their development over time. It focuses on understanding how people live, think, interact, and organize their communities. Key areas of study include:
- Customs and traditions – How societies develop and maintain cultural practices.
- Language and communication – How language shapes culture and vice versa.
- Beliefs and religion – Spiritual practices, myths, and worldviews.
- Social structures – Family, kinship, class, and power dynamics.
- Economy and subsistence – How people produce, trade, and consume goods.
- Globalization and change – How cultures evolve, adapt, or resist external influences.
Cultural anthropologists often conduct ethnographic fieldwork, immersing themselves in different communities to understand their way of life firsthand.