INTRODUCTION to U4H/RFC #122001
What is Business Anthropology? That is a very difficult question, with an answer that is continually redefined, refined; and case specific. First one must understand what Anthropology is. Anthropology is impossible to define because there are no true common universal definitions or theories; Anthropology is an ever evolving and encompassing social science commonly agreed to be broken up into four distinct subfields: Archaeological Anthropology, Biological/Physical Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and Linguistics. (In time it will be illustrated and argued that all social sciences (i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Socioeconomics, Environmentalism) today should be considered, and are subfields within Anthropology.)
“Anthropological Theory,” is defined differently by different anthropologists/schools of thought. There are many conflicting views, definitions, and theories, and that gives Anthropology life; it is always moving, can be adapted, customized, and synthesized. One true paradox is the continual refinement and defining of Anthropology destroys many elements of its magic, luster, and effectiveness. The key to Anthropology is keeping it free, lucid, and elusive. Anthropology is one discipline that has a life and energy of its own; like water it is capable of adapting to, supplementing, complementing, and destroying any and all arenas. Quite simply, Anthropology most resembles and is life. Like the World Wide Web it ideally must be “open,” “free” and capable of remaining “ever-changing.”