It also includes a number of works that are not by anthropologists but are relevant to the field, such as literary theory, sociology, psychology, and philosophical anthropology.
With the four-field approach being questioned for its orthodoxy, the subject has gained considerable independence in recent years and some archaeologists have rejected the label anthropology.
In Europe, the subject maintains closer connections to history and is simply conceived of as archaeology with a distinct research focus and methodology.
Anthropological research has exerted considerable influence on other disciplines such as sociology, literary theory, and philosophy.
Conversely, contemporary anthropological discourse has become receptive to a wide variety of theoretical currents which in turn help to shape the cognitive identity of the subjects.