By some accounts, there are over 100 definitions of anthropology. In its simplest form, anthropology is the study of humankind.
Anthropologists tend to be generalists, and the concept of holism is central.
Holism holds that human development, history and events must be viewed in a broad context. Cross-cultural understanding and cultural relativism are key concepts. In its simplest form, applied anthropology uses the knowledge, skills and perspective of the discipline to help solve human problems and facilitate change. Whereas a traditional anthropologist will study, for example, lifestyle and language of a remote tribal group, an applied anthropologist may be working in your local hospital or inner-city in a variety of roles. Applied anthropologists can be found in government, private and non-profit settings as well, as planners, researchers, managers and many other positions.