Final answer:
The fifth subfield of anthropology is often recognized as applied or public anthropology, which uses established anthropological methods and knowledge to address real-world issues and effect change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fifth subfield of anthropology, which is not always formally recognized alongside the traditional four, is often considered to be applied anthropology or sometimes called public anthropology. While the four major subfields consist of biological anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, applied anthropology uses the knowledge and methods from these subfields to solve practical issues in the modern world. This can involve areas such as development anthropology, medical anthropology, educational anthropology, and others, and these anthropologists typically work outside of academia, applying their insights to real-world problems.
Applied anthropology is significant because it extends the reach of anthropological insights beyond academic research and into domains where they can affect change, often in terms of social policy, economic development, health practices, and legal frameworks. The field is diverse and practitioners work in an extensive variety of settings, from international organizations to local community centers, reflecting anthropology's holistic approach to understanding human behavior and social structures.