anthropology research studies

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Anthropology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Anthropology is the study of humans, their close relatives and their cultural environment. Subfields of anthropology deal with hominin evolution and the comparative study of extant and past cultures.

The genetic legacy of the wild ancestors of modern cattle

Analyses of ancient DNA from aurochs — large, wild cattle that co-existed with humans for millennia — reveals how early humans tamed these beasts and bred them with domesticated cattle for strength and resilience.

• Anna Linderholm

Surprisingly high-altitude Silk Road city mapped from the sky

The lidar method for aerial archaeology identifies human-modified landscapes. Detection of a massive urban settlement on a mountainous Uzbekistan site challenges preconceptions about medieval urbanization high in Central Asia.

• Zachary W. Silvia

Social bonds and community support are vital to prison reform

Participating in the Twinning Project — a football-based prison intervention — notably improved behaviour in prison and desistance from crime after release. This research highlights the importance of fostering positive group bonds and community support to enhance reintegration efforts and reduce reoffending rates.

Related Subjects

• Archaeology
• Biological anthropology
• Social anthropology

Latest Research and Reviews

The rise and transformation of Bronze Age pastoralists in the Caucasus

A study presents archaeogenomic data for 131 individuals from 38 sites spanning 6,000 years, and details the demographic processes of the Caucasus and the surrounding steppe zone throughout the Bronze Age.

• Ayshin Ghalichi
• Sabine Reinhold
• Wolfgang Haak

An Initial Upper Palaeolithic attribution is not empirically supported at Shiyu, northern China

• Leonardo Carmignani
• Igor Djakovic
• Marie Soressi

Reply to: An Initial Upper Palaeolithic attribution is not empirically supported at Shiyu, northern China

• Shi-Xia Yang
• Jia-Fu Zhang
• Michael Petraglia

Ochre communities of practice in Stone Age Eswatini

Mineral pigments have been used by humans and human ancestors for at least 500 thousand years. Here, the authors document ochre provisioning in Middle and Late Stone Age Eswatini, demonstrate the presence of transport networks across 15 sites, and suggest that Lion Cavern is the oldest intensive ochre mine.

• Brandi L. MacDonald
• Elizabeth C. Velliky
• Gregor D. Bader

Gradual exacerbation of obstetric constraints during hominoid evolution implied by re-evaluation of cephalopelvic fit in chimpanzees

The ‘obstetrical dilemma’ hypothesis states that opposing selective pressures from an increased neonatal brain size and efficient bipedal locomotion constrain the birth canal in humans. However, three-dimensional simulations of chimpanzee fetopelvic fit indicate a constricted midpelvis comparable to humans, indicative of obstetric constraints that may be shared with apes thereby suggesting a gradual exacerbation of birth difficulty in hominoid evolution.

• Nicole M. Webb
• Cinzia Fornai
• Martin Haeusler

Large-scale medieval urbanism traced by UAV–lidar in highland Central Asia

Pairing of very-high-resolution surface modelling with semiautomated feature detection produces a detailed plan of monumental fortifications and architecture spanning 120 ha at Tugunbulak, Uzbekistan, demonstrating one of the largest highland urban constellations in premodern Central Asia.

• Michael D. Frachetti
• Jack Berner

News and Comment

Hidden wonders: laser data reveal a dense network of ancient Maya settlements

Survey pinpoints pyramids, rural settlements and a large city in an unstudied stretch of Mexico.

Uncovering a lost mountain metropolis

Drone-mounted LiDAR reveals the true extent of two lost-cities in the mountains of Uzbekistan.

World’s oldest known artwork in Indonesian cave dated using lasers

Laser-induced imaging of radioactive elements was used to work out the age of an ancient cave painting on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The results reveal that the narrative scene is 51,200 years old, making it the earliest known example of representational art. This study challenges previous dating methods and suggests a deeper origin for human image-making and storytelling.

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Top 300 Anthropology Research Topics

Welcome to a fascinating world of anthropology. DIve into our curated compilation of 300 engaging anthropology research topics that uncover the diversity of human societies and cultures. These topics span a wide range of fascinating subjects, from how people live and communicate to the ways they shape their communities and beliefs.

Explore cultural traditions across the globe, investigate the roots of human evolution, or solve the complexities of language and identity. Whether you’re mesmerized by ancient civilizations, modern urban societies, or the impact of technology on cultures, you’ll find thought-provoking ideas to spark your curiosity and inspire insightful exploration.

From examining social behaviors to understanding environmental adaptations, these research topics offer a doorway to understanding the rich diversity of humanity. Join us on this journey through anthropology’s vast kingdoms, where each topic invites you to solve the complexities of human existence, one subject at a time.

What Is Anthropology ?

Table of Contents

Anthropology is the study of humans’ origins, societies, cultures, behaviors, and physical variations across time and space. It emphasizes understanding the diversity of human experiences and how societies function. Anthropologists explore various aspects of human life, from biological and evolutionary perspectives to cultural and social dimensions.

There are four primary subfields in anthropology:

• Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on understanding contemporary societies, cultures, customs, and practices.
• Archaeology: Studies past human societies and cultures by examining material remains, artifacts, and structures.
• Biological/Physical Anthropology: Investigates human biology, evolution, genetics, and primatology.
• Linguistic Anthropology: Explores the role of language in societies, communication, and cultural expression.

Anthropologists use diverse methods, including ethnography (participant observation), interviews, archaeological excavations, biological analyses, and linguistic studies, to uncover insights into human societies, their histories, and how they evolve over time.

Here we have compiled 300 research topics under different categories. From how languages evolve to what ancient artifacts tell us, these topics are like treasure maps guiding us to discover the wonders of human life. Ready to dive into stories of our past, present, and future? Let us start.

Top 15 Topics On Biological Anthropology Research Areas

• Human Evolutionary Genetics
• Primate Behavior and Ecology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Paleoanthropology Studies
• Human Osteology and Skeletal Biology
• Biological Adaptations to Environments
• Comparative Anatomy and Morphology
• Dental Anthropology Research
• Bioarchaeology Investigations
• Human Growth and Development
• Primatology and Conservation
• Disease and Health in Past Populations
• Population Genetics and Human Diversity
• Evolutionary Medicine and Anthropology
• Human Paleopathology

Top 15 Research Topics On Cultural Anthropology Research Topics

• Rituals and Symbolism in Culture
• Cultural Identity and Globalization
• Ethnographic Studies of Communities
• Gender Roles and Cultural Practices
• Material Culture and Society
• Language and Culture Interactions
• Folklore and Oral Traditions
• Cultural Heritage Preservation
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Culture and Power Dynamics
• Urban Anthropology and City Life
• Cultural Diversity and Social Change
• Ethical Dilemmas in Fieldwork
• Diaspora Communities and Identity
• Religion and Cultural Practices

Top 15 Research Topics On Archaeological Anthropology Investigations

• Archaeogenetics and Human Origins
• Settlement Patterns and Urbanization
• Environmental Archaeology
• Ancient Technologies and Innovations
• Archaeological Excavation Techniques
• Paleoecology and Human Adaptations
• Cultural Transmission in Archaeology
• Dating Methods in Archaeological Studies
• Maritime and Underwater Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology Approaches
• Cultural Heritage Management
• Rock Art and Symbolism
• Archaeology of Death and Burial Practices
• Archaeology and Climate Change
• Site Preservation and Conservation

Top 15 Research Topics On Linguistic Anthropology Studies

• Language Acquisition and Development
• Sociolinguistics and Cultural Variation
• Language Revitalization Efforts
• Language and Identity Formation
• Ethnolinguistics and Cultural Contexts
• Historical Linguistics and Evolution of Languages
• Linguistic Relativity and Thought Patterns
• Multilingualism and Society
• Dialectology and Regional Variations
• Language Endangerment and Preservation
• Language Contact and Creole Formation
• Anthropological Approaches to Verbal Art
• Pragmatics and Cross-Cultural Communication
• Language and Power Dynamics
• Ethnography of Communication

Top 15 Research Topics On Medical Anthropology Focus Areas

• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Health and Illness
• Traditional Healing Practices
• Biocultural Aspects of Disease
• Global Health and Healthcare Systems
• Medical Pluralism and Integration
• Mental Health and Cultural Perceptions
• Ethnomedicine and Herbal Remedies
• Health Disparities and Social Determinants
• Healing Rituals and Symbolism
• Maternal and Child Health in Cultures
• Anthropology of Infectious Diseases
• Indigenous Knowledge in Healthcare
• Alternative Medicine and Society
• Medical Ethnography and Fieldwork
• Healthcare Access and Marginalized Communities

Top 15 Anthropology Research Topics On Economic Anthropology Research

• Market Systems and Exchange Networks
• Economic Development and Globalization
• Cultural Perspectives on Wealth and Value
• Informal Economies and Subsistence Strategies
• Gift-giving and Reciprocity in Societies
• Economic Anthropology of Gender
• Economic Anthropology of Labor and Work
• Money and Symbolism in Cultures
• Land Tenure Systems and Property Rights
• Resource Management and Sustainability
• Consumption Patterns and Consumerism
• Economic Anthropology of Entrepreneurship
• Economic Anthropology of Food and Agriculture
• Poverty and Inequality Studies
• Economic Anthropology in Urban Settings

Top 15 Research Topics On Social Anthropology Themes

• Kinship Structures and Family Dynamics
• Social Identity Formation and Group Relations
• Rituals and Ceremonies in Societies
• Power Dynamics and Social Hierarchies
• Community Studies and Social Networks
• Gender Roles and Social Constructs
• Ethnicity and Cultural Boundaries
• Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking
• Social Movements and Activism
• Urbanization and Social Change
• Socialization and Education Systems
• Marginalized Communities and Social Inclusion
• Collective Memory and Commemoration
• Media and Society in Anthropological Contexts
• Identity Politics and Intersectionality

Top 15 Anthropology Research Topics On Psychological Anthropology Topics

• Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health
• Emotions and Cultural Expression
• Belief Systems and Psychological Well-being
• Cross-Cultural Studies on Trauma
• Rituals and Healing in Psychological Contexts
• Cultural Influences on Perception and Cognition
• Identity Formation and Psychological Processes
• Child Rearing and Psychological Development
• Stress and Coping Mechanisms in Cultures
• Cultural Variations in Personality
• Spirituality and Psychological Resilience
• Psychopathology and Cultural Interpretations
• Cultural Constructions of Happiness
• Intergenerational Transmission of Psychological Traits
• Culture, Mind, and Brain Interaction

Top 15 Research Topics On Evolutionary Anthropology Exploration

• Human Evolutionary Genetics and Adaptations
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Social Behavior
• Evolution of Human Communication
• Cultural Evolution and Transmission
• Evolutionary Medicine and Health
• Primate Evolution and Comparative Anatomy
• Evolution of Tool Use and Technology
• Evolutionary Ecology and Human Adaptations
• Evolutionary Psychology in Anthropological Context
• Evolutionary Aspects of Human Diet
• Co-evolution of Humans and Pathogens
• Evolution of Human Brain and Cognition
• Biocultural Evolution and Society
• Paleolithic Archaeology and Human Evolution
• Evolutionary Anthropology and Human Biodiversity

Top 15 Research Topics On Visual Anthropology Areas of Study

• Ethnographic Filmmaking and Storytelling
• Visual Ethnography and Cultural Representation
• Anthropology of Photography
• Visual Arts and Cultural Identity
• Media and Visual Culture in Anthropological Contexts
• Visual Documentation of Rituals and Traditions
• Film as Cultural Artifact in Anthropology
• Ethnographic Film Festivals and Discourse
• Visual Anthropology and Indigenous Perspectives
• Ethical Considerations in Visual Representation
• Digital Visual Anthropology
• Visual Media and Social Change
• Visual Methodologies in Anthropological Research
• Visual Anthropology and Museum Practices
• Aesthetics and Meaning in Visual Anthropology

Top 15 Anthropology Research Topics On Urban Anthropology Research

• Urban Spaces and Everyday Life
• Urban Diversity and Multiculturalism
• Gentrification and Urban Dynamics
• Urban Poverty and Marginalized Communities
• Urban Development and Planning
• Urban Social Networks and Relationships
• Anthropology of Urban Public Spaces
• Informal Economies in Urban Contexts
• Cultural Diversity in Urban Neighborhoods
• Urban Health and Well-being
• Technology and Urban Anthropology
• Urban Youth Cultures and Identities
• Migration and Urban Settlements
• Urban Governance and Citizenship

Top 15 Research Topics On Environmental Anthropology Issues

• Human-Environment Interactions in Indigenous Societies
• Climate Change and Cultural Adaptations
• Environmental Conservation and Indigenous Knowledge
• Political Ecology and Resource Management
• Ethnobotany and Traditional Ecological Knowledge
• Environmental Justice and Marginalized Communities
• Anthropogenic Impact on Ecosystems
• Sacred Landscapes and Cultural Preservation
• Environmental Displacement and Resettlement
• Sustainable Development and Local Communities
• Ecological Anthropology and Biodiversity Loss
• Water and Sanitation in Cultural Contexts
• Anthropology of Natural Disasters
• Land Use and Cultural Perspectives
• Ethical Considerations in Environmental Research

Top 15 Research Topics On Applied Anthropology Focus Topics

• Applied Anthropology in Healthcare Settings
• Anthropology in Community Development Projects
• Cultural Competence in Social Work
• Anthropological Approaches to Environmental Conservation
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief
• Cultural Consultancy in Business and Industry
• Forensic Anthropology and Crime Investigations
• Ethnographic Evaluation in Public Policy
• Anthropology in Education and Curriculum Development
• Participatory Research Methods in Applied Anthropology
• Urban Planning and Community Engagement
• Cultural Heritage Management and Tourism
• Applied Anthropology in Conflict Resolution
• Technology and Innovation in Applied Anthropology
• Anthropology in Global Health Initiatives

Top 15 Anthropology Research Topics On Gender and Sexuality in Anthropology

• Gender Roles and Social Norms
• Gender Identity and Cultural Constructs
• Sexuality and Cultural Expression
• LGBTQ+ Communities and Identity Politics
• Feminist Anthropology and Theory
• Masculinity Studies in Cultural Contexts
• Gender-Based Violence and Cultural Responses
• Intersectionality and Gender in Anthropology
• Gender and Power Dynamics
• Reproductive Health and Cultural Perspectives
• Sexuality Education and Cultural Variations
• Gendered Spaces and Social Hierarchies
• Gender and Economic Empowerment
• Ethnographic Studies on Gender Diversity
• Indigenous Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality

Top 15 Research Topics On Indigenous Peoples and Ethnography

• Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Preservation
• Ethnography of Indigenous Communities
• Indigenous Rights and Land Ownership
• Oral Traditions and Cultural Transmission
• Indigenous Health and Traditional Medicine
• Rituals and Ceremonies in Indigenous Cultures
• Indigenous Languages and Linguistic Diversity
• Indigenous Governance and Political Structures
• Environmental Ethics in Indigenous Societies
• Indigenous Education and Cultural Revitalization
• Indigenous Women’s Roles and Empowerment
• Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Identity
• Indigenous Activism and Social Movements
• Indigenous Art and Cultural Expression
• Resilience and Challenges in Indigenous Communities

Top 15 Anthropology Research Topics On Anthropology of Religion Studies

• Rituals and Symbolism in Religious Practices
• Sacred Spaces and Pilgrimages
• Religion and Power Structures
• Religious Conversion and Adaptation
• Shamanism and Healing Practices
• Mythology and Religious Narratives
• Religious Pluralism and Coexistence
• Ethnography of Religious Communities
• Religion and Social Change
• Gender Roles in Religious Contexts
• Diasporic Religious Practices
• Religious Syncretism and Hybridity
• Religion and Environmental Ethics
• Supernatural Beliefs and Cosmology
• Ritualistic Performance and Symbolic Acts

Top 15 Research Topics On Migration and Diaspora Anthropology

• Identity Formation in Transnational Contexts
• Cultural Adaptation and Integration of Migrants
• Anthropology of Forced Migration
• Transnationalism and Global Diasporas
• Refugee Resettlement and Integration
• Gender Dynamics in Migration
• Remittances and Economic Impacts
• Homeland Connections and Diasporic Identities
• Social Networks and Support Systems in Diasporas
• Xenophobia and Discrimination Against Migrants
• Politics of Borders and Migration Policies
• Diasporic Cultural Practices and Traditions
• Second-Generation Diaspora Identities
• Urbanization and Diaspora Communities
• Diaspora Engagement in Home Countries

Top 15 Anthropology Research Topics On Anthropology of Power and Politics

• Political Rituals and Symbolism
• Power Dynamics in Social Hierarchies
• Political Economy and Social Inequality
• Political Authority and Legitimacy
• Political Activism and Social Movements
• Political Representation and Marginalized Groups
• Ethnography of Governance Systems
• Political Discourse and Media Influence
• Political Violence and Conflict Resolution
• Political Participation and Civic Engagement
• Power Structures in Indigenous Societies
• Politics of Memory and Commemoration
• Anthropology of State Formation
• Political Agency and Identity Politics

Top 15 Research Topics On Technology and Anthropological Studies

• Digital Cultures and Virtual Communities
• Ethnography of Online Spaces
• Technological Adaptations in Traditional Societies
• Surveillance and Privacy in Technological Contexts
• Anthropology of Artificial Intelligence
• Technological Innovations and Social Change
• Ethical Implications of Technology Integration
• Mobile Technology and Global Connectivity
• Cultural Perspectives on Robotics and Automation
• Anthropology of Wearable Technology
• Social Media and Identity Construction
• Technological Impact on Cultural Heritage Preservation
• Access to Technology in Marginalized Communities
• Cybersecurity and Cultural Perceptions
• Anthropology of Emerging Technologies

Top 15 Research Topics On Globalization and Anthropology Research Areas

• Transnationalism and Identity Formation
• Global Flows of Culture and Commodities
• Globalization and Indigenous Peoples
• Migration and Diaspora Studies
• Global Health and Medical Practices
• Globalization’s Impact on Language and Communication
• Cultural Hybridity in Globalized Contexts
• Globalization and Environmental Anthropology
• Global Economic Networks and Labor Mobility
• Cultural Imperialism and Resistance
• Globalization and Urban Anthropology
• Globalization’s Influence on Food Systems
• Technology and Global Cultural Exchange
• Globalization and Social Movements
• Globalization and Ethical Dilemmas

In wrapping up our big list of 300 anthropology research topics, remember, anthropology’s like a treasure chest filled with amazing things to explore. These topics offer a map to understanding people, cultures, and societies. They’re keys that unlock doors to ancient times, different beliefs, and how our world works today. 

Pick a topic that sparks your curiosity, dive in, and discover fascinating insights about humans and our diverse ways of living. Let these topics guide you on an adventure of understanding, questioning, and learning. So, grab your curiosity, pick a topic, and explore the exciting world of anthropology.

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Harvard anthropology seminar series (social): maria josé de abreu, columbia university, harvard anthropology seminar series (arch): brian stewart, university of michigan, harvard anthropology seminar series (arch): helina woldekiros, what is anthropology.

By the most common definition, anthropology is the study of human diversity and, as such, teaches us to recognize the remarkable array of circumstances in which human beings live their lives and make meaning from them. On our faculty, we have scholars whose work covers every time period from the prehistoric to the present, and every major world area.

Learn More About Anthropology

But anthropology is more than just a catalog of diversity.  There is an oft-cited phrase that anthropology “makes the familiar strange and the strange familiar.”  What does this mean?  At the very least, it means stepping back and seeing ourselves the way others might see us – a shift in perspective that is foundational to empathy and humility.  Anthropology also invites deeper analysis of behaviors that we might think we fully understand but that have histories and complexities that only reveal themselves with careful investigation.  This is why we do long term field research in local languages to understand social life in all its richness and depth.  And finally, making the familiar strange demands an ethical and political accounting.  It means not accepting the world as given.  This might well be the heart of the discipline, what one of my favorite anthropologists calls its moral optimism: the conviction that things can be different and better -- and that knowledge about the world should be oriented towards greater equality and justice.