Suchergebnisse

This chapter is a reflective essay that explores the contextual influences upon the naming and non‐naming of applied anthropology in different nations and regions of the world. Using a historical and comparative method, the chapter is deliberately designed to present a perspective that does not originate from or end up in the United States. By comparing diverse contexts chronologically, the chapter suggests alternative ways of understanding the reasons why applied and practicing anthropology have evolved so distinctively in different places. The chapter suggests that applied and practicing anthropology, indeed all of anthropology, is inextricably bound to its historical and cultural contexts, meaning that there are important differences in the way the discipline is understood and practiced across different nations and regions. Moreover, historical shifts in context have resulted in important changes in the way the discipline is practiced over time. The chapter also argues that if processes of globalization are indeed transforming the nature of connectedness and boundaries across nations, then there are consequences for the distinctive forms of applied and practicing anthropology observed across nations, with an emphasis on those in the United States. The authors postulate that some of the differences observed between applied and practicing anthropology in the United States and elsewhere are beginning to blur, and that the unique model of applied anthropology that developed in the United States during the last quarter of the 20th century is destined to be transformed into one that is more integrated into the mainstream of the discipline and, indeed, into all of global anthropology.

AbstractRising numbers of anthropology majors are entering sectors in industry, in which qualitative data analysis skills and theoretical thinking are essential. Yet, a disciplinary divide between theoretical and applied approaches in anthropology and a market for commodified method skills often present challenges to teaching theory in the applied anthropology classroom. Our study is based upon the successful implementation of a three‐phase qualitative data analysis model—Reduce, Visualize, Draw Conclusions, and Verify—developed by Miles and Huberman and Ladner, in a series of anthropology graduate practicum courses at Wayne State University (2017–21), in which students worked with corporate clients from Chevrolet, Nissan, and D‐Ford. Our findings highlight the integral role of theory to the academic and practicing research process and provide a template for other practicum‐based classes to teach analysis.

The emergent global economy of the 21st century will create an ever greater need for research‐based information and pragmatic utilization of social science skills, creating new work opportunities for applied anthropologists in a variety of settings. However, anthropologists may need to adjust their traditional roles and tasks, approaches and methods, and priorities and guidelines to practice their craft effectively. Anthropological training and education must be based in sound ethnographic techniques, using contemporary tools, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary knowledge in order to accommodate faster‐paced work environments and to disseminate their findings efficiently to a diverse audience while fulfilling the goal of empowering and enabling humans around the world to address social, economic, and health issues, along with other pressing concerns facing their communities.

AbstractIn this essay, I contemplate the ethics of community engagement based on my work as an applied medical anthropologist in Guatemala. During my dissertation fieldwork in a highland community, I lived with a local Mayan family, and our lives together centered on discussing their goals, community organizing, and strategies for improving indigenous rights. I describe how the relationships I built with this family and the social justice work happening in the community gave me a sense of purpose as an applied anthropologist. At the time, it seemed like participatory and collaborative research at its best. A year later, an adult son of the local family was murdered for his community work, calling into question the notions of progress and advocacy. Here, I discuss my struggle with the moral imperative of applied anthropologists to support the human rights of local communities in counterbalance to our ethical obligation to protect research collaborators.

The Applied Anthropology of Obesity advances understanding of the many cultural factors underlying increased global obesity prevalence. This book candidly discusses obesity research, prevention, and intervention programs, providing rich information about social identity, obesity prevention, and treatment.