noun
Academic term for the comparative study of cultures and ethnic groups. Often used in anthropological contexts.
彼は大学でエスノロジーを専攻している。
He is majoring in ethnology at university.
文化人類学 (cultural anthropology) is a broader field that includes ethnology; エスノロジー focuses more on comparative ethnic studies.
Borrowed from English 'ethnology', ultimately from Greek 'ethnos' (nation, people) + 'logia' (study).