BANE 145: Applied Anthropology
Assignment – A
(a) Overview of the Growth of Applied Anthropology
Applied anthropology has grown significantly since its early roots in colonial administration, evolving into a diverse field that addresses contemporary global challenges. The discipline emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially serving as a tool for European colonial governments to study and manage indigenous populations. Anthropologists were engaged in tasks such as cultural mapping, governance, and legal administration.
After World War II, applied anthropology expanded into development programs, healthcare, and public policy. The post-war period saw an increased focus on using anthropological methods to address social problems, particularly in newly independent nations. Anthropologists began engaging with rural development, public health, and urban planning.
By the 1960s and 1970s, applied anthropology became more critical, questioning the ethical implications of its involvement in state and corporate projects. Scholars emphasized participatory research, advocating for the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities. The field diversified into areas such as medical anthropology, environmental sustainability, and corporate anthropology.
Today, applied anthropology is an interdisciplinary domain influencing policy-making, international development, human rights, and technology design. It has moved beyond academia into NGOs, government agencies, and private corporations, demonstrating its relevance in solving real-world problems.
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(b) Differences Between Practicing and Applied Anthropologists
Applied anthropology and practicing anthropology are closely related but distinct fields.
- Applied Anthropology involves using anthropological theories and methods to address real-world problems. Applied anthropologists typically work in fields such as public health, education, economic development, and human rights. Their goal is to apply anthropological insights to inform policy, program development, and social interventions.
- Practicing Anthropology refers to anthropologists working outside of academia in various professional settings. These professionals may be employed by governments, NGOs, corporations, or international organizations. Unlike applied anthropologists, who focus on problem-solving within specific contexts, practicing anthropologists work in a variety of roles, such as research consultants, corporate analysts, or cultural resource managers.
The key difference is that applied anthropologists often conduct research to address a particular social issue, whereas practicing anthropologists use their anthropological training in a broader range of industries. However, both contribute to real-world applications of anthropology beyond theoretical studies.
(c) Anthropology’s Engagement with Development
Anthropology has played a critical role in the development sector by providing insights into cultural contexts, social dynamics, and local knowledge systems. Early anthropologists were involved in colonial administration, but the discipline later shifted toward advocating for participatory development approaches.
During the post-colonial era, anthropologists contributed to international development projects, particularly in agriculture, public health, and education. They highlighted the importance of understanding local perspectives to ensure the success of development interventions. The emergence of concepts such as “indigenous knowledge” and “cultural appropriateness” in development discourse can be attributed to anthropological research.
Anthropologists also critique development policies that impose Western ideals on non-Western societies. They argue for grassroots participation and ethnographic methods to ensure that projects align with local needs. In contemporary times, anthropology remains essential in evaluating development programs, guiding humanitarian aid, and shaping sustainable policies.
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(d) Importance of Ethics in Applied Anthropology, Especially During Colonial Times
Ethics has always been a critical concern in applied anthropology, particularly regarding the discipline’s involvement in colonial administration. Early anthropologists often worked for colonial governments, aiding in governance and resource control. However, this raised ethical concerns, as their research was sometimes used to exploit indigenous communities.
During colonial times, anthropologists faced dilemmas regarding their role in power structures. While some defended their work as neutral observation, others recognized the ethical implications of contributing to colonial policies. This led to debates about informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
In modern applied anthropology, ethics emphasize principles such as voluntary participation, transparency, and advocacy for marginalized groups. Organizations like the American Anthropological Association (AAA) and the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) have established ethical guidelines to ensure responsible engagement in research and policy-making. Ethics remain crucial in applied anthropology, ensuring that anthropologists work toward social justice and human rights rather than exploitation.
Assignment – B (Short Notes)
(a) Anthropology and Market
Anthropologists study markets by analyzing consumer behavior, economic systems, and cultural factors influencing trade. Market anthropology examines how goods and services acquire social meaning and how businesses interact with different cultural groups. In corporate settings, anthropologists contribute to market research, brand development, and product design by understanding human preferences and values. Ethnographic methods help companies tailor their products to specific audiences, making anthropology valuable in marketing and business strategies.
(b) Anthropology in Medicine
Medical anthropology explores the intersection of culture, health, and illness. Anthropologists study traditional healing practices, healthcare disparities, and the impact of social determinants on health. They work in hospitals, public health organizations, and research institutions to improve healthcare delivery and promote culturally sensitive medical practices. Medical anthropologists also analyze global health issues such as pandemics, vaccine hesitancy, and indigenous medicine, contributing to better healthcare policies.
(c) Multimedia Research in Anthropology
Multimedia research in anthropology includes the use of film, photography, digital media, and virtual reality to document and analyze cultures. Visual anthropology, for example, uses ethnographic films to capture social practices, rituals, and oral histories. With the rise of digital technology, anthropologists now use social media and online platforms to study human behavior. Multimedia research enhances ethnographic storytelling, making cultural studies more accessible to both academic and public audiences.
Assignment – C (Short Answers)
(a) Workstation Designing
Workstation designing involves applying anthropological principles to ergonomics and human-centered design. Anthropologists study workplace behavior, body posture, and environmental factors to create efficient and comfortable workspaces. By understanding human interactions with technology and furniture, anthropologists help improve productivity, reduce work-related stress, and enhance workplace safety.
(b) Formative Period of Forensic Anthropology
The formative period of forensic anthropology (late 19th to mid-20th century) saw significant advancements in skeletal analysis for legal and medical investigations. Early contributions came from anatomists and physical anthropologists who studied human remains for identification purposes. During and after World War II, forensic anthropology became a specialized discipline aiding in criminal cases, war crimes investigations, and disaster victim identification.
(c) Indigenous Knowledge and Disaster Management
Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in disaster management by offering traditional strategies for resilience and risk reduction. Many indigenous communities possess unique environmental knowledge that helps them predict natural disasters and develop adaptive strategies. For example, Pacific islanders use oceanic changes to anticipate cyclones, while Himalayan communities rely on traditional construction methods to withstand earthquakes. Integrating indigenous wisdom into modern disaster response strategies enhances sustainability and community preparedness.
(d) SONDEO Technique
The SONDEO technique is a rapid qualitative research method used in rural development studies. It involves interdisciplinary teams conducting informal interviews with community members to gather insights into local conditions, needs, and perspectives. Unlike structured surveys, SONDEO relies on open-ended discussions, allowing researchers to understand diverse viewpoints and adapt development projects to community contexts.
(e) Civil Society in Dialogue with the State
Civil society organizations (CSOs) act as intermediaries between citizens and the state, advocating for human rights, environmental protection, and social justice. Through dialogue with the state, CSOs influence policy-making, promote democratic participation, and hold governments accountable. Their role is crucial in shaping laws, implementing welfare programs, and ensuring that marginalized groups have a voice in governance.
(f) Applied Anthropology and Policy Making in India
Applied anthropology in India contributes to policy-making in areas such as tribal welfare, rural development, and healthcare. Anthropologists assist in designing policies that respect cultural diversity and address socio-economic inequalities. Their research informs government initiatives on tribal rights, environmental conservation, and public health programs. By integrating anthropological insights, policymakers can create more inclusive and effective development strategies in India.
