Applied anthropology, both as a phrase and a field of study, refers to the wide range of studies, techniques, and findings created and put to use specifically to identify, comprehend, and treat human issues. Since the application of research and knowledge to social issues crosses across all branches of anthropology, it has been referred to as both the bridging discipline and the fifth field of anthropology.
An anthropological approach used to address a problem is known as applied anthropology. In use is anthropology. One field that connects theoretical anthropology with its applications is practical anthropology.
Anthropologists have discussed the impact of practical anthropology on social interactions, behaviour, and cultural systems.
The definition highlights the scientific nature of applied anthropology and highlights the following −
They identified applied anthropology as a component of an interdisciplinary team where anthropologists collaborate with experts from several other disciplines.
According to them, applied anthropology focuses on comprehending and analysing interpersonal interactions and how they might be used to address societal issues.
One of the most well-known practitioners of applied anthropology, Van Willigen, characterised the discipline in terms of its effects on cultural systems. According to him, applied anthropology is "a complex of connected, research-based, instrumental procedures that induce change or stability in particular cultural systems through the supply of data, initiation of direct action, and other such mechanisms."
The methodologies in applied anthropology are heavily influenced by the areas in which it is applied since it is employed in a variety of social contexts. We can group them generically as follows −
The teaching of anthropology advanced quickly in the 1950s following the end of World War II. In many universities, new anthropological departments have been established. Along with traditional courses like social theory, cultural diversity, and ethnicity, these new ones were taught. There have been several other specialisations introduced, and each of these new sub-disciplines has a significant practical component in their curriculum. Many academic anthropologists who focused on theoretical issues at academic institutions began doing studies on practical issues including assessment, disease, education, and others.
Action anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the investigation of action within the framework of anthropological difficulties. Action anthropologists are supposed to raise community decision-making bodies to a degree of proficiency to address regional issues. Learning and helping are the central theme in action anthropology compared to applied anthropology in which achieving the desired objectives of the research are the primary goals
Only anthropologists who work in academic institutions and universities while also engaging in applied work should be referred to as applied anthropologists. Those who work outside of academic departments and employ anthropological knowledge in situations encountered in daily life are referred to as practical anthropologists.
A guiding document that specifies the goals and methods for achieving them is known as public policy. They are government-prepared statements of action in any area of public concern that lay out the groundwork for public authorities to act and accomplish the stated goals of the government for the welfare of the public. A good policy process is facilitated by their practical expertise, which makes it simple for them to identify the gaps in the development and implementation of policy on the ground. In terms of specific research techniques, such as applied anthropology's contribution to the policy sciences is particularly significant.
The globe is getting smaller due to globalisation, and culture is playing a bigger part in business and the corporate sector. Today, a large number of applied anthropologists work for management consulting firms and anthropological ideas and insights from global organisations support them.
Culture as the primary influencer of behaviour − Applied anthropologists are taught to see culture as one of the major factors influencing how people behave. They can accurately pinpoint the cultural influences that underlie every human action and behaviour.
Empirical and Inductive Approach − The hallmark of applied research has been an up-close and personal approach that attaches significance to empirical knowledge gained via fieldwork.
Cross-cultural competencies − Applied anthropologists are taught to view situations from several perspectives and with empathy. Subjective biases are avoided purposefully and are frowned upon in anthropological methodology.
Ethnographic abilities − include expertise in doing ethnographic forms of research and the capacity to clearly explain while taking into account the complexity of a setting.
Atomistic and holistic understanding − A methodical method of tackling a problem by dissecting it into its parts, i.e., the simplification of complicated issues, and the polar opposite of it, i.e., viewing issues holistically.
Dynamic and accommodating approach − Flexibility in managing new concepts, complexity, and the capacity to collaborate with people from many disciplines.
In addition to explicitly and categorically defining the various techniques, applied anthropology also explains why each approach is significant. Since applied anthropology is used in a variety of social situations, its approaches are greatly affected by those circumstances. By offering real-world answers to people's problems, applied anthropologists participate in action anthropology and play a significant role in the creation of policies and programmes. the need to include corporate and commercial anthropology given that globalisation is a reality in the modern world.
Q1. What two strategies might anthropological knowledge be put to use?
Ans. By comprehending Anthropology of and Anthropology for, anthropological information can be used in two ways.
Q2. What are the areas where applied anthropology is used in India?
Ans. Anthropologists are employed in a variety of fields in India, including disaster relief, programme assessment, planning, policy studies, agriculture, rural and tribal development, and public health. Anthropological knowledge, techniques, and abilities are used to address real-world issues that arise in daily life.
Q3. What are the four significant applied anthropological methodologies that are employed in policy research?
Ans. Needs assessment, social impact assessment, evaluation studies, and social desirability and feasibility analysis are the four key methods of applied anthropology utilised in policy research.
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