The 4 branches of applied anthropology
Writers were the first to create descriptive works that provided written imagery of the unknown behaviors and customs of people worldwide. Their writing promoted the spread of anthropology to the masses in early modern history.
I am familiar with the four branches of anthropology: (1) archaeology, (2) biological anthropology, (3) cultural anthropology, and (4) linguistics anthropology. I first learned about these topics in two classes I took toward the completion of my associate degree, which counted as major requirements: Human Biological Evolution (three credits) and LAB (two credits). The City College of New York has accepted these credits along with eighty-five others for a total of ninety transfer credits. I need only thirty to obtain a bachelor’s degree from City College.
The anthropology classes I took mostly concerned biology and an in-depth study of primatology. Cultural anthropology was described only in snippets as additional material to the accompanying text. A chapter specifically on culture included the statement that “anthropology remains one of the ‘whitest’ professions” (13). I honestly chuckled when reading this in an anthropology book. I laughed because I did not have reason to doubt it. Perhaps the poetic irony of a profession that studies, observes, and attempts to explain human culture lacking cultural diversity also led to my strong reaction to this comment. As others noted in the reading , anthropologists from other parts of the world argue that the field is too Western based. Apparently, this is a recent development in anthropology.
In my opinion, culture is learned behavior shared by a community of common people over time and throughout generations. I was initially surprised to read that culture even dictates sleep patterns. Human practices are strongly influenced by others in the same family and social unit. A family unit’s size and location can affect and modify natural behaviors and sleep patterns.
I did not know that Hindi people have the cultural practice of eating only with their right hand. Those unfamiliar with the culture may initially view this practice as awkward. However, the reason for this behavior becomes apparent with the explanation of its linkage to beliefs in personal cleanliness. This example indicates that cultural biases exist due to a lack of cultural knowledge and understanding. Things are no longer strange when they make sense to us. I also found it humorous that people hide their feces and bury it to avoid having magic placed on them. This example shows how significantly the belief in local cultural customs influences individual human behavior.
It bothered me when the text described our system of self-governance as hierarchical due to the internal belief system and the institutional culture of the American government. According to our system of governance, the opinions of every citizen are supposed to be equal in worth—representatives. It saddens me that cultural studies of our system of politics reveal that members on duty are forcing their influence on newer representatives with less tenure.
Applied anthropology is a dynamic field in the broader discipline of anthropology that focuses on the practical application of anthropological theories, methods, and knowledge to address real-world problems and challenges. It encompasses a range of subfields, including urban, medical, business, environmental, and development anthropology. Through collaboration with stakeholders and a commitment to social justice, applied anthropologists strive to create positive change and promote cultural understanding and respect.
One area in which applied anthropology plays a crucial role is community development and empowerment. Applied anthropologists work directly with communities to understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. By employing ethnographic methods, such as participant observation, interviews, and focus groups, they gain deep insights into a local context, including cultural norms, social dynamics, and power structures. This knowledge helps identify community strengths and resources that can be leveraged for development initiatives. Applied anthropologists collaborate with community members to design and implement culturally appropriate, sustainable, and inclusive projects. They facilitate community participation and decision-making, empowering individuals and groups to take an active role in shaping their futures. By involving a community in the development process, applied anthropology fosters a sense of ownership and promotes long-term sustainability.
Applied anthropology is also instrumental in addressing health-related issues and promoting healthcare equity. Medical anthropologists, for example, study the intersection of culture, society, and health to understand how people’s beliefs, behaviors, and social contexts influence their health outcomes. They work alongside healthcare professionals to develop culturally sensitive interventions, improve healthcare access, and reduce health disparities. Applied anthropologists also contribute to public health programs by researching topics such as disease prevention, health education, and healthcare delivery systems. By considering the cultural, social, and economic factors that impact health, applied anthropology brings a holistic perspective to healthcare practices and policies. This approach ensures that healthcare initiatives are effective and relevant to the communities they serve.
Another area in which applied anthropology is employed is business and organizational settings. Business anthropologists apply their knowledge of cultures, consumer behaviors, and organizational dynamics to help companies understand diverse markets, design inclusive products and services, and develop effective marketing strategies. They conduct market research, consumer surveys, and ethnographic studies to uncover consumer preferences, cultural meanings attached to products, and social dynamics in organizations. By providing insight into cultural nuances and local contexts, applied anthropologists help businesses adapt their practices and strategies to specific cultural environments, leading to more successful and sustainable outcomes. They also contribute to creating inclusive work environments that value diversity and promote cultural understanding.
Applied anthropology also contributes to environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts. Environmental anthropologists study intricate relationships between human societies and their natural environments. They work with local communities, policymakers, and conservation organizations to address environmental challenges while considering the cultural and social dimensions of conservation efforts. Applied anthropologists help develop strategies for sustainable resource management, promote indigenous knowledge and practices, and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, often disproportionately affected by environmental issues. By integrating cultural perspectives into environmental policies and practices, applied anthropology contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Applied anthropology is also essential for international development. Development anthropologists collaborate with communities, governments, and nongovernmental organizations to design and implement development projects that address social, economic, and environmental challenges. They consider local knowledge, cultural values, and social structures to ensure that development initiatives are contextually appropriate and sustainable. Applied anthropologists critically assess development interventions, considering the potential unintended consequences and negative impacts they may have on local communities. They advocate for participatory approaches, community-driven development, and the recognition of local voices and knowledge in decision-making processes. This approach fosters greater ownership and agency among communities, ensuring that development efforts are effective and sustainable in the long term.
Applied anthropology is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field that utilizes anthropological theories, methods, and knowledge to address practical problems and promote positive social change. Applied anthropologists work in diverse contexts, collaborating with communities, organizations, and policymakers to understand complex issues and develop culturally appropriate, sustainable solutions. By applying anthropological perspectives, they contribute to community development , healthcare equity, business practice, environmental conservation, and international development efforts. Applied anthropology not only provides valuable insights into the diversity of human experiences and cultural practices but also advocates for social justice, cultural understanding, and respect for local knowledge. Through their work, applied anthropologists strive to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Barbara Rylko-Bauer, Merrill Singer and John Van Willigen. “ Reclaiming Applied Anthropology: Its Past, Present, and Future.” American Anthropologist 108, no. 1 (2006): 178–190. Applied anthropology, these days, encompasses great diversity in domains of application, methods, theoretical framings, roles and arenas of research and work. If one accounts for all that applied anthropologists do in their effort to address social problems, “from A for ‘aging’ to Z for ‘zoos,’” then the list is very long and rapidly growing… There is also great diversity in arenas of action. Contrary to the perception in some circles, most applied anthropologists do not work for large development bureaucracies. They work in communities, for cultural or tribal groups, public institutions, government agencies, departments of public health and education, nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations, international policy bodies, as well as private entities such as unions, social movements, and, increasingly of late, corporations. A growing number also serve in state and federal policy positions, and some even in elected public office. Much of this work is squarely concerned with “the public interest” (p. 186).
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