Final answer:
The two key figures in the emergence of modern anthropology in the 20th century are Franz Boas and Bronislaw Malinowski. They laid the foundation for understanding cultures on their own terms, contributing significantly to the methodology and scope of the field, which now includes medical and psychological anthropology, as well as insights from feminist anthropology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two men most closely associated with the emergence of modern anthropology in the 20th century are Franz Boas and Bronislaw Malinowski. Boas, often considered the father of American anthropology, emphasized the importance of understanding cultures through their own historical contexts, rejecting the then-popular concept of unilineal evolution. He trained a number of influential students, such as Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead. Malinowski, on the other hand, is known for his detailed ethnographic fieldwork and for developing the method of participant observation. His work in the Trobriand Islands is particularly significant for its methodological contributions and insights into the complexities of society and culture.
Anthropology as a discipline has markedly moved away from ethnocentric and evolutionist perspectives, instead focusing on the diversity and complexity of cultures around the world. The subject matter spans from traditional cultural anthropology to medical anthropology, psychological anthropology, and areas influenced by feminist critique. These subfields emphasize the field's overarching goal: to provide a thorough understanding of human societies and cultures, both past and present.