Marvin Harris captures the essence of anthropology
I have a B.A. in anthropology. I work in the technology department of a large company.
When I tell people about my job and they later learn what I studied in school, inevitably the first question is, “Why did you study anthropology?” Similarly, my anthro degree is the butt of a few good-natured jokes at work. IT and anthropology don’t usually mix. So I usually just tell people, “I liked anthropology best in college,” which is true, but it’s not the whole story.
I’m reading Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches by the witty, wise, and blunt anthropologist Marvin Harris, and I think a quote from the preface of his book tidily sums up my reasons for picking anthro.
My excuse for venturing across disciplines, continents, and centuries is that the world extends across disciplines, continents, and centuries. Nothing in nature is quite so separate as two mounds of expertise.
Harris, Marvin. Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches. New York: Vintage Books, 1978. vi-vii.
June 11th, 2005 at 10:01 pm
Love the quote … what jokes do your colleagues tease you with?
You might be aware of (at least) two recent articles about anthros in IT and other types of consulting. Check out the cover on this months Fortune Small Business Magazine. It really is remarkable … title and graphic. And this story about office culture.
They make make you feel better.
(PS I am an anthro … and think anthropology, business, law, IT, etc. are far better fits than people give them credit!)