Chat with AIExam 18: Applied Anthropology
What is applied anthropology? Erve Chambers suggests that there are five roles that applied anthropologists play. Discuss each of these roles as they apply to present-day applied anthropological studies.
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Answered by Examlex AI CopilotApplied anthropology is the use of anthropological theories, methods, and insights to solve practical problems in the real world. It involves the application of anthropological knowledge and skills to address contemporary social issues and challenges.
Erve Chambers suggests that there are five roles that applied anthropologists play. These roles are as follows:
1. Expert Witness: In present-day applied anthropological studies, anthropologists often serve as expert witnesses in legal cases, providing cultural expertise and insights to help courts and legal professionals understand the cultural context of a case. This role is crucial in ensuring that cultural factors are taken into account in legal proceedings, such as in cases involving indigenous land rights or cultural heritage preservation.
2. Social Impact Assessment: Applied anthropologists conduct social impact assessments to evaluate the potential effects of development projects, policies, or interventions on local communities. In present-day studies, this role is particularly important in the context of environmental and sustainable development projects, where anthropologists assess the social and cultural implications of such initiatives on local populations.
3. Cultural Broker: Anthropologists act as cultural brokers, facilitating communication and understanding between different cultural groups. In present-day applied anthropology, this role is essential in promoting cross-cultural collaboration and addressing conflicts or misunderstandings between diverse communities, especially in multicultural societies or in international development projects.
4. Policy Advisor: Applied anthropologists provide expertise and recommendations to policymakers and government agencies on issues related to culture, society, and community development. In present-day studies, anthropologists play a crucial role in shaping policies and programs that are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs and perspectives of diverse populations, such as in areas of public health, education, or immigration.
5. Change Agent: Applied anthropologists work as change agents, collaborating with communities to design and implement culturally appropriate interventions and initiatives. In present-day studies, this role is evident in community-based participatory research, where anthropologists work alongside community members to address social and health disparities, promote cultural revitalization, or support sustainable development efforts.
Overall, these roles highlight the diverse and impactful contributions of applied anthropologists in addressing contemporary social challenges and promoting cultural understanding and equity in various contexts.
An example of an applied project in which the anthropologists played the role of analyst was the Vicos Project in the Andes.
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VerifiedTrue
Clyde Snow, the forensic anthropologist, is quite a good criminal psychologist.
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A social-impact study conducted by Thayer Scudder and Elizabeth Colson in Zambia found that:
(88) The study of disease, health care systems, and theories and methods of curing in cross-cultural perspective is known as:
(69) Researchers estimate that pot hunters may destroy up to 98% of sites predating the year 2000 by the middle of this century.
(82) Applied anthropologists can serve as consultants to government organizations, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID).
(79) Is it possible to understand the values and worldview of another culture and not accept all of their practices and standards? In other words, can one be a cultural relativist and not an ethical relativist at the same time?
(72) Early twentieth century anthropologists argued that since there are no universal moral values, each society's values are valid with respect to the specific circumstances and conditions of that society. Hence, no society can claim to be in a superior position in regard to morals or ethics. The view that we cannot impose the values of one society on other societies is called:
(90) The study of disease patterns in different societies is called:
(84) Even though there are numerous pieces of legislation aimed at curtailing pot hunting, this practice still persists. The text example of the looting of the __________ is an excellent illustration of the problems that exist.
(78) Cultural relativism is the principle that cultures must be understood from the perspective of their own cultural norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
(82) Since applied anthropologists always work with or for governments or other agencies that are attempting to promote change, they can never work for the people who may be affected by the change.
(78) Michael Agar's study of heroin addicts and methadone treatment was a total failure and showed the limitations of the participant observation methodology in applied anthropology.
(83) The use of anthropology to offer practical solutions to problems faced by a society is known as basic anthropology.
(92) Sometimes, applied anthropologists become engaged in policy development. This type of applied anthropology occurred when Allan Holmberg of Cornell University became the new patron to a group of Peruvian Indians who lived on a hacienda. This undertaking was called the:
(71) Problems sometimes arise between applied anthropologists and private developers or government officials. Many agencies want to implement changes immediately, without consideration for the people who will be impacted. Anthropologists often recommend against these rapidly planned innovations and, as a consequence, the agencies ignore recommendations. In these circumstances, applied anthropologists have often been forced to take an advocacy approach, or the:
(84) The word "metaculture" is used by anthropologists to refer to a:
(84) When an anthropologist becomes the spokesperson for the particular group that he or she is studying, the anthropologist is assuming the role of informant.
(84) Do you think it is possible to adopt a humanitarian standard that would be accepted by everyone in the world? What might this view entail?
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