Discuss the early phases in the growth of applied anthropology.

1. Introduction to Applied Anthropology

Applied anthropology emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the growing recognition of the need for practical applications of anthropological knowledge beyond academia. Rooted in the holistic approach of anthropology, applied anthropology seeks to address real-world problems through the application of anthropological theories, methods, and insights. This interdisciplinary field draws from various subfields of anthropology, including cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, to address diverse challenges faced by communities, organizations, and governments.

2. Colonial and Military Applications

One of the earliest phases in the growth of applied anthropology involved its utilization in colonial and military contexts. During the colonial period, anthropologists were often employed by colonial powers to study indigenous cultures and societies, with the aim of facilitating governance and control. This involved conducting ethnographic research to understand local customs, languages, and social structures, which could then inform colonial policies and administration. Similarly, applied anthropology found use in military contexts, particularly during World War II, where anthropologists were tasked with studying enemy cultures and societies to aid military strategies and operations.

3. Development Anthropology

Another significant phase in the growth of applied anthropology was the emergence of development anthropology following World War II. With the rise of decolonization and the establishment of newly independent nations, there was a growing recognition of the need for anthropological knowledge to support development initiatives. Development anthropology aimed to address issues of poverty, inequality, and social change in developing countries by applying anthropological insights to development projects. This involved collaborating with international development agencies, NGOs, and local communities to design culturally sensitive interventions that aligned with local needs and aspirations.

4. Urban Anthropology and Community Development

The growth of applied anthropology also saw the emergence of urban anthropology and community development as important subfields. As urbanization accelerated worldwide, anthropologists turned their attention to studying the dynamics of urban life and the challenges faced by urban communities. Urban anthropology focused on understanding issues such as migration, poverty, housing, and social inequality in urban contexts, while community development initiatives sought to empower marginalized communities through participatory approaches that incorporated local knowledge and perspectives.

5. Medical Anthropology and Public Health

In recent decades, applied anthropology has expanded into the realm of medical anthropology and public health. Medical anthropology applies anthropological concepts and methods to understand the cultural, social, and behavioral dimensions of health and illness. It explores topics such as healing practices, medical pluralism, and the social determinants of health, with the aim of informing healthcare delivery and policy. Public health anthropology, on the other hand, focuses on addressing public health challenges through community-based research, health education, and advocacy efforts that take into account local beliefs, practices, and socio-cultural contexts.

Conclusion

The early phases in the growth of applied anthropology laid the foundation for its evolution into a dynamic and diverse field that continues to make significant contributions to addressing real-world problems. From its origins in colonial and military applications to its current focus on issues such as development, urbanization, and health, applied anthropology has demonstrated the value of anthropological knowledge in addressing complex social challenges. Moving forward, the field is likely to continue expanding and adapting to new contexts, embracing innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations to create positive social change.