Chapter 3 Applied Anthropology What We Will Learn

Chapter 3 Applied Anthropology

What We Will Learn § § How have cultural anthropologists applied their theories, methods, and insights to the solution of practical problems over the last century? What special contributions can cultural anthropology make as an applied science? How does applied anthropology differ from theoretical anthropology? What specialized roles do applied anthropologists play?

Applied Anthropology § § Characterized by problem oriented research among the world’s contemporary populations. Attempt to apply anthropological data, concepts, and strategies to the solution of social, economic, and technological problems at home and abroad.

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Architectural Business Examples (chapters) • Apache Housing (2) • Park Restoration (13) • Cross-Cultural Coaching (2) • Market Research (8) • Baby Formula Controversy (3) • Is Nepotism Always Bad? (8)

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Examples (chapters) Development • Trees in Haiti (4) • Environment/Development in Honduras (16) • Tibetan Rug Weaving (15) Educational • Ebonics (6)

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Examples (chapters) Environmental • Water Management in Mexico (7) • Highway Environmental Study (16) • Radiation on Marshall Island (3)

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Legal Examples (chapters) • Customary Law Project in New Guinea (12) • Amish and Supreme Court (14) • Minority Prison Inmates (3)

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Medical Examples (chapters) § Diabetes Among Mexican. Americans (13) § AIDS Research (5) § “Primitive Medicine” and Modern Drugs (7) § Child Nutrition in Malawi (11) § Family Planning Clinics in Ecuador (11)

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Political Examples (chapters) • Mediation with Trukese Villagers (3) • Tribal Status for the Poarch Creek (12) • Ruth Benedict and Post-War Japan (3) Population • Shipibo (3)

Types of Applied Anthropology Form Urban Examples (chapters) • Skid Row Men (9) • New Hope Anti-Poverty Program (4) • Adolescent Drug Dealer in Florida (3) • Homeless Youth (10)

Participant-Observation § § Direct field observation can lead to a fuller understanding of sociocultural realities than relying on secondary sources alone. The rapport developed while conducting participant-observation research can be drawn upon in the implementation stage of the applied project.

The Holistic Perspective § § § Forces us to look at human problems in their historical, economic, and cultural contexts. Reminds us that the various parts of a sociocultural system are interconnected and a change in one part of the system is likely to cause changes in other parts. Encourages us to look at problems in terms of both the short run and the long run.

Regional Expertise § § § Many anthropologists function as culture area specialists. The cultural anthropologist who has conducted doctoral research in Zambia often returns to that country for subsequent field studies. Long-term association with a cultural region provides a depth of geographic coverage that most policymakers lack.

The Emic View § § Whatever the setting of a particular project the applied anthropologist brings the perspective of the local people to the project. By describing the emic view rather than their own technical/professional view, anthropologists can provide information that can seriously affect the outcome of programs of planned change.

Cultural Relativism § § The basic principle fosters tolerance. Tolerance can help anthropologists cross class lines and relate to a wide range of people within the complex organization (such as a hospital or school system) in which they are working.

Topical Expertise § § Topical knowledge gleaned from studies in one part of the world is likely to have policy relevance in other parts of the world. Cultural anthropologists who have studied pastoralism in East Africa have topical experience with and knowledge about pastoralism that can also be applied in the Middle East or Central Asia.

Specialized Roles of Applied Anthropologists § § § Policy researcher: provides cultural data to policymakers to help them make informed decisions. Evaluator: Uses research skills to determine if a program is successful. Impact assessor: measures the effect of a project, program, or policy on the local community.

Specialized Roles of Applied Anthropologists § § § Planner: helps design programs and policies. Research analyst: interprets research findings so policymakers, planners, and administrators can make culturally sensitive decisions. Needs assessor: conducts research to determine if a program or project is necessary.

Specialized Roles of Applied Anthropologists § § § Trainer: teaches professionals working in crosscultural situations about the culture of a population. Advocate: actively supports a particular group of people. Administrator/manager: assumes administrative responsibility for a project.

Specialized Roles of Applied Anthropologists § § Expert witness: presents culturally relevant research as part of judicial proceedings. Cultural broker: acts as a liaison between program personnel and local ethnic communities.

Examples of Applied Anthropology § § Penny Van Esterik’s advocacy involvement in the Nestlé baby formula controversy. Elizabeth Grobsmith’s work with Native American prison inmates.

Examples of Applied Anthropology § § Richard Dembo’s ethnographic research on teenage cocaine dealing in Florida. Warren Hern’s work with the Shipibo of the Peruvian Amazon, which had important policy implications for programs of population control.

Quick Quiz

1. ____ involves direct field observation, a hallmark of twentieth century anthropology. a) The holistic perspective b) Cultural relativism c) Topical expertise d) Participant observation

Answer: d § Participant observation involves direct field observation, a hallmark of twentieth century anthropology.

2. Applied anthropologists bring the ____, or insider's view, to projects. a) emic b) monochronic c) holistic d) etic

Answer: a § Applied anthropologists bring the emic, or insider's view, to projects.

3. ____ tends to foster tolerance, which is particularly relevant for applied anthropologists working in complex organizations. a) Cultural resources management b) Regional expertise c) Topical expertise d) Cultural relativism

Answer: d § Cultural relativism tends to foster tolerance, which is particularly relevant for applied anthropologists working in complex organizations.

4. Another common role for applied anthropologists, ____ actively participate in the design of various programs and policies. a) trainers b) planners c) policy researchers d) evaluators

Answer: b § Another common role for applied anthropologists, planners actively participate in the design of various programs and policies.

5. A rare role, the ____ becomes an active supporter of a particular group of people, and usually involves some level of political action. a) needs assessor b) advocate c) policy researcher d) impact assessor

Answer: b § A rare role, the advocate becomes an active supporter of a particular group of people, and usually involves some level of political action.