Urban Anthropology: Exploring the Complexities of Urban Life Urban anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of urban societies and cultures. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of cultural anthropology, sociology, and urban studies to understand the dynamics of urban life and how it shapes the behaviors, beliefs, and practices of individuals and groups. The roots of urban anthropology can be traced back to the early 20th century when urbanization started to become a dominant force in shaping human societies.