What's the difference between cultural anthropology and sociology?

Question

can anybody point out the main differences?

Answer 1

Cultural anthropology is when you study different cultures within a given society.

i.e. studying a british culture, you may have two christians but both believe in different things due to their upbringing, their s*x, age, social status etc

sociology- looks at social issues such as housing, types of people living in a given area, health, again different age groups, schooling

hope this helps

Answer 2

Anthropology and sociology are both concerned with human behavior in its social context. Sociology concerns itself with social relationships, social classes, social movements, and organizations among people or groups within industrialized societies. Anthropologists also study social behavior, but where sociologists focus on groups in modern urban societies, anthropologists traditionally paid more attention to preliterate people, and then to non-western cultures. In recent years, this distinction has broken down to a degree, for anthropologists now also study social behavior in westernized societies. Yet anthropologists are more likely to compare these societies with ‘traditional’ societies. In this sense, anthropology encompasses a broader historical and geographical span than does sociology. These two disciplines were one in the 19th century, and are starting to converge again as more anthropologists shift focus to modern cities. However, there is still an emphasis in anthropology on ‘culture’ and in sociology on ‘society’.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

cultural anthropology will look at any group of people who have a sort of identity grouped into various ways, such as geography or etnicity / race or social customs.   Generally cultural anthropology will place this group into context of history and its interactions with other groups.   Usually these are small groups of people in a particular location.   An example in New Orleans, is examination of the Mardi Gras Indian traditions.  Cultural Anthropology usually likes groups that are very distinctive either by cultural heritage, customs/rituals, language and/or geography.  The Cajuns of SE Louisiana fit this distinction very well, or the pockets of people who live in the Carolina islands.  

Sociology on the other hand will examine people both in small and large groups.  Sociology will take an objective examination through statisical methods, but also through more subjective methods such as observation.   Sociology will also place groups into their historical context, but will likely do so within strict comparative parameters.  Sociology will examine various aspects of entire nations and ethnic groups.  An example would be an examination voting habits of americans according to racial background.  Sociology will also examine deviancy.  Usually deviancy is defined in terms of criminal behavior, but it also could be social deviants such as the h**l's Angels of the 1970's.   Sociology does not require any population to be special or unique to be part of an examination of mass behavior/habits or custom.

Answer 4

I know what you mean, I have pondered the same question. From what I gather, Sociology tends to rely more on surveys and statistics, and is also more apt to attempt to "solve" issues. Cultural anthropology is more of an objective approach, focusing more on being non-obtrusive; an observer.  I'm still trying to figure it out myself, but so far, that is what I have noticed. I'm sure there is a clearer answer somewhere.