Applied Anthropology: Using Anthropological Knowledge for Practical Change
Anthropology in Action
Applied anthropology uses anthropological knowledge, methods, and perspectives to address practical problems and promote human well-being. Unlike academic anthropology, which primarily produces knowledge for other scholars, applied anthropology engages with communities, organizations, and governments to create positive change.
Applied anthropologists work in diverse settings: international development agencies, public health organizations, corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups. They conduct needs assessments, evaluate programs, design culturally appropriate interventions, advocate for marginalized communities, and facilitate cross-cultural communication.
History of Applied Anthropology
Applied anthropology has a long and sometimes problematic history. Early applied work was often linked to colonialism, as anthropologists provided knowledge that facilitated the administration of colonized peoples. This history has made contemporary applied anthropologists attentive to the ethics of intervention and the politics of knowledge.
The profession of applied anthropology expanded dramatically after World War II, as development became a major international focus. Anthropologists worked on community development, agricultural extension, health programs, and education projects around the world. The Society for Applied Anthropology was founded in 1941.
Areas of Practice
Development Anthropology
Development anthropologists work with international agencies, non-governmental organizations, and governments to design and evaluate development projects. They ensure that projects are culturally appropriate, engage local communities, and address the needs of the most vulnerable.
Anthropological critiques of development have been influential. James Ferguson’s analysis of a development project in Lesotho demonstrated how development interventions can expand state power and depoliticize poverty.
Medical Anthropology in Practice
Applied medical anthropologists work in public health, clinical settings, and global health programs. They design culturally appropriate health interventions, improve communication between clinicians and patients, and address health disparities.
Business and Organizational Anthropology
Anthropologists work in corporations and organizations, applying ethnographic methods to understand consumer behavior, improve workplace culture, and facilitate organizational change. The field of corporate ethnography has grown significantly.
Environmental Anthropology
Applied environmental anthropologists work on conservation, sustainable development, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation. They ensure that environmental interventions respect local knowledge and rights.
Human Rights and Social Justice
Anthropologists work with human rights organizations, documenting abuses, advocating for marginalized communities, and supporting legal cases. Forensic anthropologists apply their skills to the identification of victims of human rights violations.
Methods of Applied Anthropology
Applied anthropologists use the same methods as academic anthropologists—ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, surveys, and participatory research—but adapt them to the practical constraints and time frames of applied work.
Rapid ethnographic assessment methods allow anthropologists to gather useful information quickly. Participatory action research involves communities as co-researchers. Program evaluation uses anthropological perspectives to assess the effectiveness and cultural appropriateness of interventions.
Ethics in Applied Practice
Applied anthropologists face distinctive ethical challenges. They must balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, including communities, employers, and funders. They must navigate constraints that limit what they can say and do. They must be transparent about their roles and commitments.
The American Anthropological Association’s code of ethics emphasizes obligations to research participants, the public, the discipline, and employers. Applied anthropologists must be attentive to potential harms and committed to doing no harm.
FAQ
What is the difference between applied and academic anthropology?
Applied anthropology focuses on using anthropological knowledge to address practical problems, often working outside universities. Academic anthropology focuses on producing knowledge through research and teaching within universities. Many anthropologists move between these domains.
Do I need a graduate degree to practice applied anthropology?
While entry-level positions may be available, most applied anthropologists hold graduate degrees. A master’s degree provides the credentials and training for professional practice. A PhD is typically required for senior positions and academic appointments.
Where do applied anthropologists work?
Applied anthropologists work in diverse settings: international development organizations, public health agencies, corporations, technology companies, government agencies, non-profits, museums, and consulting firms.
Can anthropology be harmful?
Yes. Anthropological knowledge can be used to facilitate exploitation, control, and oppression. Early anthropologists provided information used in colonial administration. Contemporary anthropologists must be attentive to how their work might be used and by whom.
Conclusion
Applied anthropology demonstrates that anthropological knowledge is not just academic but practical. By bringing cultural perspectives to real-world problems, applied anthropologists contribute to more effective, equitable, and culturally appropriate interventions. For further reading, see cultural anthropology and the guide to ethnographic methods.