WORLD ANTHROPOLOGY DAY
Every year on the third Thursday in February, World Anthropology Day allows anthropologists to celebrate their discipline and share it with the world.
Anthropology is the study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. Anthropologists take a broad approach to understanding different aspects of human experience. Their goal is to understand our human origins, our distinctiveness as a species, and our great diversity. There are many reasons for the study of anthropology. Studying humans, societies, and their behaviors provide a better understanding of our world. The past is studied to help interpret the present.
Anthropology is divided into three subfields:
- Sociocultural – interprets the content of particular cultures
- Biological – studies a variety of aspects regarding human biology
- Archeology – studies the remains of past and present cultural systems
Studying these subfields allows anthropologists to use each other’s knowledge to better understand why humans act the way we do, and how it affects our physical, cultural, and social environments. Anthropologists have superior research skills. They also have skills in observation, analysis, critical thinking, and writing. Anthropologists are usually very gifted at dealing with people from other cultures.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldAnthropologyDay
Many schools, businesses, museums, anthropology clubs, and other organizations around the world celebrate this day. They host a variety of events that educate the public about anthropology. Colleges and universities use the day to recruit anthropology majors.
To participate:
- Learn more about the field of anthropology.
- Read about well-known anthropologists like Marcel Mauss, Edward Sapir, Margaret Mead, Claude Lévi-Straus, Zora Neale Hurston, and Ruth Benedict.
- Watch a sociocultural anthropology film, such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Avatar, Into the Wild, and Babette’s Feast.
- Discuss with others why it’s important to study anthropology.
Share this day on social media with #WorldAnthropologyDay or #AnthroDay
WORLD ANTHROPOLOGY DAY HISTORY
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) came up with National Anthropology Day in 2015. The following year, they changed it to World Anthropology Day. The AAA felt this was a better fit as anthropology is important for the whole world, not just one country. The day has always been held the third Thursday in February. This is a day that classes are in session, so that schools and universities can participate. The goal was also to avoid religions and national holidays, as well as other competing days.
DATES:
17 February 2022
16 February 2023
15 February 2024
20 February 2025
19 February 2026
18 February 2027
17 February 2028
15 February 2029
21 February 2030
