Practicing anthropology is the application of anthropological theories, concepts, methods, and insights to solve real-world problems. It involves working with individuals or communities to identify and understand their issues, and then using anthropological tools to develop solutions to those problems. Practicing anthropologists work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private companies, and academic institutions, among others. They may also work as consultants, researchers, educators, or advocates, depending on their area of expertise and the needs of their clients.
The field of practicing anthropology developed during the Second World War as anthropologists were called upon to assist the war effort. Anthropologists were tasked with studying the social and cultural dynamics of different societies, with the aim of understanding their attitudes towards the war, their potential as allies or enemies, and their ability to support military operations. Anthropologists were also involved in the development of propaganda campaigns and other psychological warfare tactics aimed at influencing public opinion in different countries.
The use of anthropology in the war effort brought the discipline into the public eye and raised questions about its role in society. Many anthropologists believed that their work should have a practical, applied dimension, and that the insights gained through anthropological research could be used to address a range of social problems. This led to the development of a distinct field of practicing anthropology, which was focused on using anthropological methods and insights to solve real-world problems.
The development of practicing anthropology as a field was also influenced by broader social and political changes that were taking place at the time. The war had brought about significant social and economic changes, including the growth of the welfare state, the expansion of international organizations, and the rise of a new class of professionals who were trained to solve complex problems. Anthropologists saw an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to these new challenges, and many began to work as consultants or advisors to governments, NGOs, and other organizations.
One of the most significant developments in the field of practicing anthropology during this period was the establishment of the Applied Anthropology Program at Columbia University in 1949. This program was designed to train anthropologists to work in a range of applied settings, including public health, education, urban planning, and international development. It was the first program of its kind and served as a model for other applied anthropology programs that were established in the years that followed.
Another important development in the field of practicing anthropology was the formation of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) in 1941. The SfAA was established by a group of anthropologists who were interested in applying their skills and knowledge to social problems. The society provided a forum for anthropologists to discuss their work, share ideas and methods, and collaborate on projects. It also served as a platform for advocating for the use of anthropology in addressing social issues.
During the post-war period, practicing anthropology continued to grow and diversify. Anthropologists worked in a range of settings, including community development, international aid, environmental management, and healthcare. They also developed new methods and approaches, such as participatory action research, which emphasized the importance of involving communities in the research process and empowering them to address their own problems.
One of the most significant contributions of practicing anthropology during this period was in the area of international development. Anthropologists worked with governments and NGOs to design and implement development projects that were culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of local communities. They also challenged the assumptions and biases that underpinned many development programs, such as the idea that economic growth was the key to development, and advocated for more holistic and participatory approaches.
The growth of practicing anthropology during this period was not without its challenges, however. Some anthropologists were criticized for working too closely with government agencies or for compromising their academic integrity in pursuit of practical solutions. Others were concerned that the focus on practical applications could lead to a neglect of fundamental research and theoretical development in anthropology. There were also debates about the appropriate role of anthropologists in working with communities and advocating for social change.
Despite these challenges, practicing anthropology continued to evolve and adapt to new social, political, and economic contexts. In the 1960s and 1970s, for example, there was a growing emphasis on community-based research and activism, as anthropologists sought to work more closely with marginalized communities and to support their struggles for social justice. This period also saw the emergence of feminist anthropology and other critical approaches that challenged traditional assumptions about gender, race, and power in society.
In recent years, practicing anthropology has continued to expand and diversify. Anthropologists are now working in fields as diverse as corporate social responsibility, forensic anthropology, and disaster management. They are also using new technologies and methods, such as digital ethnography and big data analysis, to address complex social problems. At the same time, the field has remained committed to its core values of cultural sensitivity, social justice, and ethical engagement with communities.
In conclusion, practicing anthropology is a dynamic and evolving field that has its roots in the Second World War, when anthropologists were called upon to use their skills and knowledge to address practical problems. The development of this field was influenced by broader social, political, and economic changes, and by the desire of anthropologists to make their work more relevant and impactful. Today, practicing anthropology continues to grow and adapt, as anthropologists work to address the pressing social problems of our time and to promote greater understanding and respect for cultural diversity.
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