Ethnology has a wide interest in cultural history. The past can be approached either in its own right, for the study of historical processes and phenomena, or used as a resource in studies focused also on the present.
In this field of research, historical cases can be used for comparative purposes, or present phenomena can be traced back in history, in order to understand from where they emanated and how they have developed over time.
In the latter case, the past becomes either a basis for comparisons or a way of understanding how history leaves its mark on the present. This may involve investigations into, for example, child rearing, consumption habits, meal culture or various practices linked to the body, gender and sexuality. But cultural history also includes such things as the study of popular culture, nationalism and marginalization processes.