Final answer:
Applied and theoretical anthropology share the common goal of understanding human culture and biology, but they differ in focus. Applied anthropology addresses contemporary problems while theoretical builds foundational knowledge. Both contribute to addressing real-world issues and informing each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
Applied and theoretical anthropology share a common goal of furthering our understanding of human behavior, culture, and biology to address real-world problems. Applied anthropology uses anthropological research and methods to tackle contemporary issues, often in collaboration with local communities, and contributes to practical solutions in fields like public health, environmental management, and development. In contrast, theoretical anthropology focuses on the development of new concepts and theories through academic research, which lays the foundational knowledge that can be later utilized in applied work.Both applied and theoretical anthropology are deeply engaged in studying human societies and practices. They intersect where theory informs practice and applied research feeds back into theoretical understandings. For instance, medical anthropologists employ a composite of anthropological theory and method, anchored in biological and cultural aspects of human health, which is then applied in real-world settings to improve medical practices and policies.Overall, these subfields of anthropology work synergistically to offer insights into our challenging world today, providing understanding and solutions to issues such as climate change, gender inequality, global health, and the preservation of cultural heritage.