Sociocultural anthropologists explore how people variously positioned within the world today live and understand the world, their aspirations and struggles, and how shared systems of ideas (i.e., culture) relate to the structured ways that people act and interact in society (i.e., power). Sociocultural anthropology attends to multiple voices and viewpoints, often through extended, in-depth ethnographic research, and engages deeply with history and with representations. Linguistic anthropology explores how language works how people use it to build and share meaning, form or change identities, and make or change relations of power. Applied anthropology uses anthropological methods and ideas to work with local communities helping address problems, such as those related to health, education, or the environment.

More about sociocultural anthropology at UW
Anthropology Major, Sociocultural Track
Anthropology PhD, Sociocultural Specialization
Sociocultural Anthropology Faculty