Applied Anthropology: Exploring Cultures Globally
Where do applied anthropologists conduct research? Do they only study non-western societies?
Applied anthropologists conduct research globally, exploring both western and non-western societies. Do they only study non-western societies?
Answer:
Applied anthropologists conduct research globally, exploring both western and non-western societies. They work on diverse projects, dealing with issues that range from public health to environmental conservation.
Applied anthropologists conduct research globally; they are not limited to studying just non-western societies. With their training to work in the field and adaptability to diverse situations, they have evolved their ways to conduct research not only in distant, remote cultures but even within urban communities, addressing real-world problems. For instance, some anthropologists are actively involved in handling issues related to COVID-19, aiding in data collection, and improving access to treatment and preventive methods. Anthropologists, by nature, are interested in a broad view of cultures they study. By studying different aspects of human societies, such as engagement with their environments, systems of production and exchange, political practices, institutions, linguistic attributes, anthropologists gain a holistic understanding of the human experience within different cultural settings. They work on a variety of initiatives, such as enhancing farming techniques, improving educational services, and working on the front lines with people displaced due to various challenges. It is crucial to note that the applied anthropological research has also seen an increase in active participation from Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous tribes now take a directive approach with researchers, working in collaboration to address issues they deem significant. This kind of broad-based approach resonates with the main objective of anthropologists which is to unravel the diverse human experiences and ways of life across the world.