Download cultural anthropology and sociology

Issue No 53
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
What does it mean to be a New Zealander and a citizen of the world? What is the importance of ethnicity in the 21st century? How are social networking websites changing human relationships? What makes
people decide to live on the streets? These are the kinds of questions that studies in Cultural Anthropology
and Sociology ask and seek to answer. The anthropological and sociological mind is forever curious about
why people behave in the ways they do; as peoples from different cultures move around the world living,
working and trading together, so the need to understand each other increases. Because of their in-depth and
broad understandings of human social behaviour anthropologists and sociologists are in a position to advise
on many issues that confront countries and companies the world over.
Although they are linked, Cultural Anthropology and
Anthropological study provides training that is highly
Sociology are distinct disciplines.
relevant in the 21st century. Economies are increasingly
global and interdependent; workforces and markets are
WHAT IS CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY?
Anthropology literally means ‘the study of human
beings’, while cultures are patterns of human behaviour
and knowledge that every human learns as a member of
becoming more fluid and diverse. This increases demand
for cultural understanding and communication skills in
many areas of employment and at all levels of management and decision-making.
a society. Cultural Anthropology focuses on how these
Research processes employed by social scientists to exam-
cultural patterns shape our experiences.
ine indigenous cultures are now being used to understand
Cultural anthropologists seek to answer questions such as:
“Why are human groups and their ways of life so different around the world? Why, for example, do many New
corporate cultures. Companies such as IBM use the findings from anthropology to help their corporate processes
run more smoothly.
Zealanders believe it is disgusting and cruel to eat dog,
Dr Elizabeth Tunstall teaches anthropology at the Univer-
while Muslims don’t eat pork and Hindus think cows are
sity of Illinois in Chicago. She says, “Contemporary an-
sacred? Why do so many young people in New Zealand
thropology is no longer primarily concerned with exotic
decide to get tattoos while many youths in Papua New
peoples and dinosaurs. Anthropology is engaged with
Guinea willingly undergo painful scarification rituals?
issues of the global flows of people and goods, human
Why do such cultural differences develop and how might
rights and social justice, global feminism, [design], tech-
we understand them better?”
nology adoption, the social effects of the environmental
Students of Cultural Anthropology explore how culture is
expressed in areas such as ritual, symbolism, language,
degradation, and local sustainability practices.”
personality, religion, inequality, gender, family, art and
WHAT DO ANTHROPOLOGISTS DO?
politics. They compare life in New Zealand to the ways
Anthropologists do anything that involves understand-
people live in many different locations around the world.
ing human social and cultural behaviour. They are
Understanding how other societies organise their lives
trained observers who collect information about people
and give meaning to their existence also increases people’s
by listening and watching what others are doing. They
understanding of their own cultural worlds. Whether
Topical coverage of career related issues brought to you by Victoria
University Career Development and Employment.
studying the hunting practices of Amazonian tribes or the
politics of global agribusiness, the rituals of Pacific chiefs
or the culture of corporate New Zealand, anthropology
students examine what it means to be human today.
Areas covered include how degrees and courses relate to
employment opportunities, to life/work planning, graduate
destination information and current issues or material relevant to
the employment scene. Your comments and suggestions always
welcomed.
2
CAREER VIEW
often carry out research by living with the people they
study for over a year. They learn their language and
adopt their daily habits, gaining in-depth and firsthand
insights into their way of life. This leads them to produce
ethnographies which are detailed texts describing the life
and experiences of a cultural group. Anthropologists also
research the context and think about what has actually as
hospital or entering another country.
At another level, Sociology examines how people organise themselves, creating major social institutions such
as the State. It also examines the dynamics of macro
processes such as population change and globalisation.
well as apparently happened, applying various theoreti-
WHAT DO SOCIOLOGISTS DO?
cal models that may explain what they have observed.
Sociologists are the people who ask the ‘why’ and ‘how’
They take a holistic view to frame their understanding.
questions of the world, and seek to provide answers and
Anthropologists may work in the field – in cities, in rural
explanations for why the world works differently for
areas and in territories distant from their own coun-
different groups of people. Sociologists are interested in
try. Many will specialise in a particular area and advise
social groups, their position in society, their experiences,
government, local government, NGOs and corporations.
how they interrelate and the image they have of them-
Health and medicine; business; design; multinational and
selves. They are also interested in finding out about social
multicultural communication; media; marketing; food
differences between people and explaining why they of-
and lifestyle; museums and cultural heritage are a few
ten turn into social divisions and perceived inequalities.
examples. A PhD and a background of relevant fieldwork
are required to work as a professional anthropologist.
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?
In New Zealand there are many ethnic, cultural, age and
class related differences. Sociologists have researched and
theorised about the social differences and inequalities
between Mäori and European, or “pakeha” groups. To do
Sociology is the study of society and sociologists are
this they find out about the different views and experi-
people who try to make sense of the social world – past,
ences of people, they observe what people do, as well
present and future. Society is a phenomenon we are all
as using quantitative data about levels of employment,
creating. The discipline of sociology gives students the
income levels, educational attainment, physical and
tools with which to take a fresh look at social life. It pro-
mental health. They then try to explain why these things
vides theoretical frameworks and language with which
happen.
to understand, describe and analyse a broad range of
human, social activity. The range of sociological interests
is wide. These include gender, class, ethnicity, families,
social change, health, morality, politics, religion, sport,
work and leisure, technology, cyberspace and many
more. The focus of sociology is the same for every area
of interest: exploring, understanding and explaining
changes in behaviour and social relationships at different
levels.
On one level, Sociology looks at the body and how
The process of making sense of data involves forming
ideas or concepts from the detail of a situation. By developing and applying theories sociologists make sense of
the world they confront. In doing this sociologists can
understand the deeper significance of things and form a
bigger picture within their field of interest. Their findings
and understandings are useful in many areas: race relations; human rights; healthcare; politics; social services;
local and national government; sport and leisure are a
few.
people’s ideas about their physical self affect social practices – for example how people form a sense of identity,
taking into account the effects of gender or class. A
related sub-topic would be the issue of eating disorders,
WHAT SKILLS DO ANTHROPOLOGY AND
SOCIOLOGY GRADUATES DEVELOP?
gender and body image. Other topics may look at parent-
Cultural Anthropology and Sociology provide students
ing, child-raising practices, the incidence of divorce, and
with a broad range of skills, important in today’s world.
within that the role of fathers, perhaps considering how
At a general level, these include critical and creative
social attitudes may determine the relationship of single
thinking, research, writing and analysis, and the effective
fathers to their children. The importance people attach
communication of ideas.
to ethnicity is also of interest to sociologists. The signifi-
Communication
cance of cultural identity has been growing as people
move around the world more freely. People are often
asked which ethnic group they belong to, whether they
are beginning school, enrolling at university, going to
©VUW Career Development and Employment
The ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally
with empathy, respect and understanding is honed
through degree studies that have people as the main
CAREER VIEW
3
focus. Undergraduate study of Cultural Anthropology
social work, the health professions, business and others.
and Sociology also enhances students’ ability to read and
The holistic knowledge and skills concerning people and
write well, to understand and communicate complex
cultures acquired during these degrees are highly transfer-
ideas and information through written work and oral
able and increasingly sought by employers. Conjoint or
presentations.
postgraduate degrees give graduates additional advantage.
Critical thinking and conceptual skills
Employment opportunities for academic anthropologists and sociologists in New Zealand are small; graduates
As students develop research skills they learn to use dif-
seeking an academic career may need to consider employ-
ferent conceptual frameworks, to think in the abstract,
ment overseas.
and to analyse and interpret the form and content of
live and written information. In turn they may question,
Career options:
evaluate and compare the various frameworks they use.
Public sector research and policy analysis; architecture;
In writing an argument to support their views students
museum curating; cultural heritage management; design;
also learn to critically evaluate and edit their own work.
local and international journalism; documentary film-
Creativity
making; consumer research and advertising; mediation
and dispute resolution; immigration and refugee services;
The ability to make connections and arrive at insights is
travel and tourism work; international marketing; cross-
part of the creative process of social research. Through
cultural relations consultancy; public relations; human
assignment and project work students also learn to for-
resources/industrial relations; urban planning; inter-
mulate new questions and hypotheses; some may come
national development; NGO and humanitarian work;
up with innovative methods and apply theory in original
foreign service; public health; community work; law
ways.
enforcement; probation work; English language teaching
Multi-disciplinary approach
abroad; local government administration; social work;
The ability to see the big picture and the connections
between the many different facets of human activity is a
social science research; government; law.
eties through the lens of social science. This skill enables
WHERE DO ANTHROPOLOGY AND
SOCIOLOGY GRADUATES WORK?
graduates to get alongside and work with people from
Across both public and private sectors employment op-
different disciplines in a range of settings.
tions are diverse and exciting. In many fields of work,
skill graduates develop as they examine cultures and soci-
Research
Sociology and Anthropology students do extensive research as part of their studies using a range of approaches. For example they may gather descriptive data through
participant observation, interviews, ethnographic study,
analysis of documents or the use of surveys. The process
of asking questions, gathering information (facts and
concepts) and evaluating material is a highly transferable
skill sought by many employers. Research roles often
require the ability to do literature searches. A literature
from entry-level positions through to senior levels of
management, the ability to understand and work with
others is essential, along with well developed communication and thinking skills. Technical expertise is not
always the main criterion for employment, but a conjoint
degree or double major that includes other work related
content such as law or management can be an advantage.
Employers always consider the strength of candidates’
transferable skills, their university grades and how they
would 'fit' into their team and organisational culture.
search is a detailed, methodical search to find journal
Public Sector
articles, books and websites on a specific topic. Students
Government departments, ministries and government
acquire this skill through assignment and project work.
agencies employ graduates to entry-level positions such
as policy analyst, policy advisor, ministerial writer, ad-
CAREERS FOR CULTURAL
ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
MAJORS
ministration officer/assistant, communications officer/ad-
Graduates enter a wide variety of careers. Majoring
climate. The Ministries of Education, Social Develop-
in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, possibly in
ment, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Internal Affairs are
conjunction with other majors, is a valuable basis for
large ministries that need graduates with excellent ge-
planning a career in the social sciences, psychology, law,
neric skills. Some government departments such as New
visor, researcher, research assistant and library assistant.
Some ministries have graduate development programmes,
depending on their recruitment needs and the economic
©VUW Career Development and Employment
4
CAREER VIEW
Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency
Development, Oxfam, World Vision and local com-
(NZAID) recruit people with postgraduate degrees. NZAID
munity organisations carry out humanitarian work that
recruits people with several years experience in the field
often fits well with the values and training of anthro-
who also have a postgraduate degree in areas such as
pology and sociology graduates. Other NGOs such as
development studies or other related subjects.
Presbyterian Support Services, Anglican Care, Salvation
Typically, a graduate entry-level position may require excellent, proven analytical skills; high-level oral and written communication skills; strong people skills; self-confidence and the ability to relate to and work with a diverse
range of others; a good postgraduate degree: honours
degree or higher; or a conjoint degree including either
law, economics or science; an interest in issues pertaining
to the work of the particular ministry. (Based on material
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.)
Policy analysts and researchers need to be strong analytical thinkers, able to carry out detailed, thorough research
using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. They
Army and Barnardos provide services to specific groups
in the population - children, elderly and families. They
may do research around improving service provision and
good practice in relation to their clientele in particular
regions. In New Zealand the staff of NGOs is often small.
The work may involve research, surveys, advocacy, fund
raising, giving policy advice to government, devising
programmes and events, communications and publicity,
and general administration. Doing voluntary work is a
way to get to know the work of an NGO and may lead to
paid work.
Education Sector
must be able to see the big picture, think imaginatively
Teaching Social Studies and other related subjects in sec-
and across disciplines, consider trends and possibilities in
ondary schools is a rewarding career for graduates with a
the longer term as well as gain a detailed understanding
passion for interacting with young people. Social Studies
of a particular field. Excellent written and verbal commu-
allows students to investigate diverse cultures, political
nication skills are essential.
and religious systems. Students may do a conjoint degree
with a Bachelor of Teaching and double major or a one-
Local Government
year Graduate Diploma of Teaching following graduation
Local government – councils and regional councils –
with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Educational research
manage a very wide range of services for the community.
and policy are other options.
Graduates with special interests may find employment
in areas such as: housing, disability, sport and recreation,
human resources, public health (eg. homelessness, mental health, child health and safety, nutrition and physical
activity), event management, emergency management,
health and safety, community centres, holiday programmes, urban design and planning and others.
NGOs
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) is any nonprofit, voluntary citizens’ group, which is organised on a
local, national or international level. Task-oriented and
driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform
a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring
citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor
policies, and encourage political participation through
provision of information. Some are organised around
specific issues, such as human rights, environment or
Teaching at university level usually requires a PhD.
Graduates can advance their research and teaching skills
by undertaking a Master’s degree or PhD and may have
the opportunity to tutor undergraduate students. Many
students also go overseas to study. Other roles in tertiary
institutions include academic advisors, career consultants, trainers or administrators.
Journalism
Skills in written and oral communication, social research, qualitative interviewing and fieldwork provide
an excellent base for journalism work. Anthropology
and sociology graduates intending to work as permanent
editorial staff (reporters, sub-editors, editors) in the media
usually require a Diploma in Journalism. It is possible to
write freelance for niche publications without an industry
qualification.
health. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early
Human Resources
warning mechanisms, and help monitor and implement
Human resource professionals work in large public or
international agreements.
private sector organisations. They may work with a con-
NGOs may also have a relationship with the United
sultancy or run their own business. A human resources
Nations, a large organisation that employs many people
officer develops, advises on and implements policies con-
with a social science background. NGOs such as Red
cerning the effective use of personnel within an organisa-
Cross, Amnesty International, Council for International
tion. Typical roles are: human resource advisor/manager,
©VUW Career Development and Employment
CAREER VIEW
5
GRADUATE PROFILES
recruitment coordinator and training officer. Human
resource practitioners often have additional qualifica-
Ben Steele
organisational psychology and other related fields.
Advisor, Political
New Zealand Permanent
Mission to the United Nations
Business/Financial Sector/Law
When I finished high school
Banks, insurance companies, state-owned enterprises, and
I was keen to see some of the
companies from large multi-nationals to medium and
world before starting univer-
small businesses employ graduates with diverse majors.
sity. New Zealand is a small
Employers recognise that the ability to communicate well
country and although I love
with clients and customers is vital to success in business.
the place I thought it impor-
A conjoint degree in subjects such as law or marketing
tant to see what else was out
opens the field even wider. The following are typical role
there. So for the next six months I travelled overland from
titles: administration officer, business analyst, graduate
Mongolia to India – camping in the Gobi Desert, sleeping on
management trainee, marketing assistant, communica-
the Great Wall, standing on the toe of a 70-metre-high Bud-
tions advisor, customer services officer and information
dha, trekking in the Himalayas, getting lost in the Bombay
officer. In law firms graduates who have a combined
slums. It was this travel, these experiences that led me to
degree in arts and law may be practising solicitors or law
anthropology.
tions in business management, finance, human resources,
librarians. A degree combining Anthropology or Sociology with marketing would be very useful in marketing,
public relations or advertising.
Museums and Art Galleries
Depending on their size, museums and art galleries
employ staff in research, collection management, administration, education, exhibition design and display,
publicity and communications. Anthropology graduates
Anthropology is, of course, about people – specifically, differences and similarities between people. Because it has humanity at the centre of its focus, anthropology illuminates
countless other disciplines. It is wide enough to encompass
political science, economics and international relations,
among others. But rather than focusing on just one, anthropology offers a holistic perspective – it lets you see how all
are related and connected.
may do research and work with collections and provide
After completing a BA with Honours in Anthropology and
written material for exhibitions. A background in Anthro-
English Literature, I worked at the Office of Treaty Settle-
pology is also valuable when mediating relationships be-
ments where I helped resolve historical Treaty grievances on
tween different cultural groups who contribute artefacts
behalf of the New Zealand Government. I then won a Ful-
and cultural knowledge to collections.
bright Scholarship and moved to New York City to complete
Public Relations
a Master’s Degree in Anthropology at Columbia University.
The process by which organisations establish and
Now I work at the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the
maintain goodwill and understanding with stakehold-
United Nations in New York where I cover the work of the
ers requires people with excellent written and verbal
UN Security Council, general peace and security issues such
communication and interpersonal skills. Industry specific
as the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iran, and provide policy
qualifications are an advantage. Public Relations seeks to
advice to the New Zealand Government. In this role I have
manage public opinion by transmitting positive informa-
been part of the frontline of politics: ambassadors debating
tion to those the organisation wants to influence. The
with vehemence, world leaders like Obama and Netanyahu
related function of communications is responsible for
orating from the lectern, negotiations on resolutions with
promoting an organisation’s image and reputation to the
colleagues from around the world. I have been at coalface
public, as well as informing staff and clients about what
of crises like the wars in Georgia and Gaza and I get to deal
is happening within the organisation. This may involve
daily with international political issues.
writing web content for Intranet or public websites as
well as material for pamphlets, articles, annual reports,
media releases and so on. At higher levels advisors will
advise on communications policy and strategy. Entrylevel positions such as communications advisor/officer
may require additional qualifications such as media studies or journalism.
Although a background in International Relations or Political Science would be more natural for my current vocation,
the beauty of anthropology is its unique holistic lens. In
international politics, like economics and media, most issues
are linked to most other issues. Anthropology has given me
the skills to see the links and convergences - a perspective
that is essential in this interconnected and interdependent
world.
©VUW Career Development and Employment
6
CAREER VIEW
Kate Yesberg
Human Rights and
Development Work
loss of life? How do you bring together former enemies to
implement new governance arrangements that redistribute newly acquired wealth? How do you achieve justice
and reconciliation without sparking political backlash?
Tena koutou! My name is
More and more, international development agencies
Kate Yesberg. I have recently
are hiring and valuing anthropologists for their hands-
finished a BA in Anthropol-
on, holistic approach to problem solving because their
ogy, and am soon to complete
cultural insights are intrinsic to the success or failure of
an LLB (Hons). Anthropology
development projects.
is the study of human beings
– our cultures, preferences,
For me, anthropology is a perspective which allows us to
experiences and interactions.
value and understand human experience at individual,
The first anthropology text I
family, community, national and international levels. My
read was about the struggle of Puerto Rican migrants in
intention on finishing University is to work within the
New York’s underground economy – a piercing, sensitive
New Zealand justice system for a time, before embarking
and genuinely affecting book which sparked my inter-
upon further socio-legal postgraduate study in the United
est in power relations, inequality and social justice. This
States.
interest has led me, as it has grown, on some excellent
My advice is to stick with the ideas that grab you, be dar-
adventures.
ing, and see where it leads.
The Anthropology programme fosters inquisitiveness,
reflection and a pro-active commitment to positive social
Anna Gruner
ing. I was introduced to ideas which have changed the
Research Analyst
IMSED Research
Department of Labour
way I see and understand the social world. Through an-
I’m not sure if it has anything
thropology I have become more aware and critical of my
to do with moving to New
own humanity, learning how to relate theoretical ideas to
Zealand from Germany as a
my own experiences in New Zealand and abroad.
child but I have always been
change. The interdisciplinary, holistic nature of anthropology is stimulating, flexible and intellectually reward-
In 2008 I took time out from studying to explore human
rights and development work in Southeast Asia. Initially
I volunteered with an NGO in Cambodia, where human
rights violations and land grabbing are crippling the urban and rural poor. While nothing really prepares you for
that kind of hardship, anthropology fosters the perceptions that can help make sense of social and cultural systems in order to approach such problems constructively.
interested in other cultures
and societies. In that way I
guess that Anthropology is
the obvious choice – the only
problem was that I had never heard of it when I started
university. Luckily when I was enrolling to study English
and Sociology someone suggested I take Anthropology
to fill in my timetable. I remember the first lectures well
– they were a bit of a revelation. Was using an ATM really
From Cambodia I moved on to an internship at the UN
cultural? By looking at how other people see the world
Office of Recovery Coordination in Aceh, Indonesia. Aceh
and how they do things made me look at my own life in
is recovering from the dual tragedies of natural disaster
a completely new way. I loved it!
and war. Incredible amounts of aid money have poured
into the province and Aceh is now at the forefront of
development. I was working primarily under the UN’s
post-conflict advisor, tasked with ensuring that development in the province is ‘conflict sensitive’ – that it works
to entrench peace, rather than exacerbate old divides.
Throughout my studies I enjoyed the ongoing challenge
that Anthropology provided. It taught me to be enquiring
and critical – suddenly the most mundane daily activities
became incredibly interesting by looking at them from an
anthropological perspective. Anthropology also gave me
a real appreciation of the fact that while cultures around
It gave me great insight into how cultures and communi-
the world may be incredibly different, there are still cer-
ties rebuild and develop after such intense loss. How do
tain aspects that make us all very much the same. It was a
you rebuild social and political systems after such massive
real lesson in differences and similarities, in analysis and
understanding.
©VUW Career Development and Employment
CAREER VIEW
In my ongoing fascination with my own culture and
everyday life, I decided to look at people’s home gardens
for my Master’s. In a sense the topic probably doesn’t
7
Sam Stacey
Freelance
Television Production
matter too much, but doing it taught me a lot about research methods, analysis and writing. These are the very
From Charismatic Cult Leaders
skills that really matter for my work today – both in my
to Global Cities and the rise of
research at the Department of Labour (IMSED – Interna-
Facebook, my studies in Soci-
tional Migration Settlement & Employment Dynamics)
ology scoped an enormously
looking at the long-term settlement of former refugees
broad range of topics and
in New Zealand and in my teaching of a social research
shed new light on the ways
methods paper at the Open Polytechnic. Doing social
in which we ‘think’ about
research is a perfect way to keep finding out more about
society.
what people do, how they see the world and what mat-
I always had a particular interest in the arts, drama and
ters to them. Just as when I started my studies, I still love
media while growing up. After being accepted into drama
learning about people. For anyone who is interested in
school I decided that I’d rather pursue a career in television
other cultures, as well as their own, I would recommend
and set out to get a degree ‘under my belt’. I didn’t commit
Anthropology.
to a major at the start and instead took a variety of courses
from a wide range of disciplines. In my first year I took papers in Social Policy, Media Studies, Gender and Women’s
Studies, Marketing, Sociology and Religious Studies. I’ve always been interested in social interaction and the ways in
which we co-exist in society. Without going down a scientific or medical path, I wanted to study these from a social
Photo: Department of Sociology, Sam Houston State University
perspective and explore the complex processes of human
relationships that we live out seamlessly. Being a creative
thinker, sociology allowed me to engage with topics of my
own interest and also work into my studies my interest in
the media to examine how such forms of communication
are utilised in contemporary social life.
University life was amazing and the additional opportunities on offer have also helped me build up my CV. While
studying I travelled as a Student Representative with the
University to speak at promotional events about my experiences at university and I also worked as a sociology PASS
study group leader in my final year.
After completing my degree I set out to use my university
skills in the media industry. In my current job in television
production I use sociology as a sort of tool belt that follows
me wherever I go. Understanding people, our daily interactions and the societies we live in plays a significant role in
understanding our media industry and the daily habitual
practices of watching television.
Having a deeper understanding of social existence is
thought-provoking and insightful. For me personally I
think university should be a time of widening horizons
and exploring a variety of academic disciplines rather than
a sure-set career-specific education. Sociology provided
me with a framework of knowledge that will undeniably
continue to play a large role in my career.
©VUW Career Development and Employment
8
CAREER VIEW
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND
SOCIOLOGY AT VICTORIA
closely related disciplines to Cultural Anthropology and
Cultural Anthropology and Sociology are part of the
ies courses. Courses in Social Policy and Criminology can
School of Social and Cultural Studies in the Faculty of
also be useful complements to a Cultural Anthropology
Humanities and Social Sciences. Other subjects taught in
major.
anthropological perspectives are included in some Mäori
Studies, Religious Studies, Pacific Studies and Asian Stud-
this School include Criminology and Social Policy. The
School has an overall focus on the analysis of human
Cultural Anthropology staff research interests include:
behaviour within society. It is the patterning of such
culture and migration; the cultural dimensions of in-
behaviour and how we understand and organise our lives
equality, power and resistance; the cultural organisation
as social beings that you will learn more about. Many
of complex societies; Pacific cultures; culture and ethnic-
of the concepts and research methods used in our core
ity; and culture and architecture.
programmes are ‘portable’, in the sense that they can be
applied in more than one area, and this provides a focus
for integration within the School.
Sociology can effectively combine with other social
science subjects such as Cultural Anthropology, Social
Policy, Economics, Geography, Political Science and
We are interested in critical social theory, as are other
Psychology. Very useful combinations can also be made
disciplines, but what you can expect to learn from us are
with Criminology, Education, History, Media Studies,
current analyses of how societies and cultures are formed,
Philosophy and Religious Studies. Computer Science,
how they are governed, how they break down and how we
Information Technology and Mathematics are always
might envisage new and viable future social and cultural
useful subjects for students with an interest in social data
systems.
analysis and research. Sociology can also provide an effective comparative focus for those who are interested in
The School actively develops and monitors a culture of
languages and literature. Sociology also has an affinity
research and scholarship that maintains its established
with many aspects of Law and Commerce, and those
disciplinary strengths. We give appropriate attention to
interested in the social context of legal and business insti-
research and scholarship by Mäori and about Mäori within
tutions will find it of interest.
the fields of our competence, and actively reflect in our
varied curricula consideration of the social, political and
Sociology staff research interests include: nationalism;
policy aspects inherent in scholarly examination of the
multi-culturism and bi-culturism; medical sociology;
contemporary significance of the Treaty of Waitangi.
gender, sexuality and health; bioethics; ageing; death
and dying; hegemony and race relations in New Zealand;
To ensure that you meet your future academic and em-
classical and contemporary political and social theory;
ployment aspirations, it is important to plan your degree
the history of ideas, post-Marxism; political sociology;
programme carefully. This may mean completing courses
the sociology of development and globalisation; cultural
in other subjects and possibly a second major.
studies; embodiment; everyday life; and humour.
To complete a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology and Sociology can also be pur-
you might like to consider structuring your course of study
sued at the postgraduate level. This includes: Graduate
so that your Cultural Anthropology courses are comple-
Diploma in Arts (GradDipArts); Bachelor of Arts with
mented with other social science courses that further your
Honours (BA(Hons)); Master of Arts (MA); and Doctor of
areas of interest. Sociology and Human Geography are
Philosophy (PhD).
Special thanks to:
The School of Social and Cultural Studies in particular Dr Allison Kirkman, Head of School, Prof Brigitte BonischBrednich, Programme Director - Cultural Anthropology and Carol Hogan, School Manager; graduates Anna
Gruner, Sam Stacey, Ben Steele and Kate Yesberg; and all those people who contributed to this publication.
Career View is published by Career Development and Employment
Victoria University of Wellington, Te Whare Wänanga o te Üpoko o te Ika a Mäui
PO Box 600, Wellington, Tel: 64-4-463-5390 or 64-4-463-5393, Fax 64-4-463 5252
www.victoria.ac.nz/careers
April 2010
ISSN 1172-4315
©VUW Career Development and Employment