What is the difference between Sociology and Anthropology

The two sciences are different from each other on the following grounds:

(1) Sociology studies the modern, civilized and complex societies where anthropologists study the simple, primitive and non-literate societies.

(2) Sociologists study small as well as large societies but an anthropologist usually concentrates on small societies.

(3) Sociology makes use of observation, interview, social survey, questionnaire and other methods in its investigation whereas anthropologists directly go and live in the community they study.

(4) Sociology, more often, studies parts of a society and generally specialises in institutions such as family, marriage, or processes, such as, social change, social mobility. On the other hand, anthropologists study societies in all their aspects as a whole. They concentrate their study on a given ‘cultural area’.

Conclusion:

From the above, we are clear that Sociology and Anthropology are mutually contributory. An anthropologist is basically a sociologist and uses sociological concepts and techniques in its inquiry. Thus, we are sure that A. L. Kroebar’s remark on the two sciences that both are twin sisters is true to a great extent.