What is applied anthropology ? Discuss its historical development.

1. Introduction

Applied anthropology is a branch of anthropology that seeks to address practical problems and issues in real-world settings by applying anthropological theories, methods, and insights. It involves the use of anthropological knowledge and expertise to solve problems, inform policy decisions, and promote positive social change across various domains, including health, development, education, environment, and human rights.

2. Historical Development

The historical development of applied anthropology can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when anthropologists began applying their knowledge to address societal challenges and inform policy decisions. Several key developments shaped the evolution of applied anthropology:

3. Colonialism and Ethnographic Studies

During the colonial era, anthropologists conducted ethnographic studies of colonized societies to understand their cultures, customs, and social structures. While these studies often served the interests of colonial administrations, they also laid the foundation for applied anthropology by generating knowledge that could be used to address colonial policies' social and cultural impacts.

4. World Wars and Applied Research

The two World Wars provided opportunities for anthropologists to apply their expertise to wartime efforts, such as understanding local cultures in occupied territories, conducting propaganda research, and advising military strategies. These applied research experiences demonstrated the practical value of anthropology in addressing real-world challenges beyond academic settings.

5. Development Anthropology

The post-World War II era witnessed the emergence of development anthropology, which aimed to address poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment in the Global South. Development anthropologists worked with international development agencies, governments, and local communities to design and implement development projects that were culturally appropriate, sustainable, and empowering.

6. Community-Based Participatory Research

In the latter half of the 20th century, applied anthropology increasingly focused on community-based participatory research approaches. Anthropologists collaborated directly with communities to identify their needs, strengths, and priorities, empowering them to actively participate in the research process and shape interventions that addressed their concerns.

7. Applied Anthropology in Contemporary Contexts

In recent decades, applied anthropology has expanded its scope to address a wide range of contemporary challenges, including public health, environmental sustainability, human rights, and urban development. Anthropologists work in diverse settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and international NGOs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex social issues.

8. Ethical Considerations

Throughout its development, applied anthropology has grappled with ethical considerations related to power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Ethical guidelines emphasize the importance of respecting the rights, autonomy, and dignity of research participants and communities, ensuring informed consent, protecting confidentiality, and promoting equity and social justice.

Conclusion

Applied anthropology has evolved into a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that addresses pressing social issues through the application of anthropological principles, theories, and methods. Its historical development reflects a trajectory from colonial-era ethnography to contemporary community-based participatory research, with a growing emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, and ethical practice. As applied anthropology continues to evolve, it remains committed to leveraging anthropological insights to promote positive social change and improve the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.