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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?
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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.
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 socio-cultural 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 Rolesof 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 Rolesof 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 Rolesof Applied Anthropologists • Trainer: teaches professionals working in cross-cultural situations about the culture of a population. • Advocate: actively supports a particular group of people. • Administrator/manager: assumes administrative responsibility for a project.
Specialized Rolesof 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.
1. ________ involves direct field observation, a hallmark of twentieth century anthropology. • The holistic perspective • Cultural relativism • Topical expertise • 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. • emic • monochronic • holistic • 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. • Cultural resources management • Regional expertise • Topical expertise • 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. • trainers • planners • policy researchers • 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. • needs assessor • advocate • policy researcher • 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.
