CHAPTER 12

Applying Anthropology

Applying AnthropologyDimensions of American anthropology:

Academic or theoretical anthropologyApplied anthropology

Applied anthropology

Application of anthropological data, perspectives, theory, and methods to identify, assess, and solve contemporary social problemsAll four subdisciplines

Role of Applied Anthropologists

Early applicationsApplication was a central concern of early anthropology in Great Britain (during colonialism) and in the U.S. (Native American policy)Modern applied anthropology differs from earlier approaches

Academic and applied anthropology

Academic anthropology expanded after World War II

Applied anthropology began to grow in the 1970s

Applied anthropology today

Appropriate roles for applied anthropologists:

Identifying locally perceived needs for changeWorking with local people to design culturally appropriate, socially sensitive changeProtecting interests of local people

Development anthropology

Branch of applied anthropology that focuses on social issues in, and the cultural dimension of, economic development

Strategies for innovation

To maximize social and economic benefits, development projects must:

Be culturally compatible

Respond to locally perceived needs

Involve men and women in planning and carrying out the changes that affect them

Harness traditional organizations

Be flexible

Strategies for innovation

Overinnovation – too much changeUnderdifferentiation – tendency to overlook cultural diversity and view less-developed countries as more alike than they truly are

Strategies for innovationThird World models

Best models for economic development are to be found in target communities

Anthropology and education

Urban anthropology

Cross-cultural and ethnographic study of global urbanization and life in cities

Medical anthropology

Study of disease, health problems, health care systems, and theories about illness in different cultures and ethnic groups

Theories about the causes of illnessPersonalistic disease theoriesNaturalistic disease theoriesEmotionalistic disease theories

Health Care SystemsWestern vs. non-Western medicine

Anthropology and business

For business, key features of anthropology include:

Ethnography and observation as ways of gathering data

Cross-cultural expertise

Focus on cultural diversity

Careers and Anthropology

Anthropology’s breadth provides an excellent foundation for many careers