Ethnography/Realist Ethnography - Emic Focus

Ethnography/Realist Ethnography - Emic Focus

Applied anthropology refers to the application of method and theory in anthropology to the analysis and solution of practical problems. Inasmuch as anthropology proper comprises four sub-disciplines -- biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological anthropology -- the practical application of any of these sub-disciplines may properly be designated "applied anthropology". Indeed, some practical problems may invoke all sub-disciplines. For example, a Native American community development program may involve archaeological research to determine legitimacy of water rights claims, ethnography may involve assessing the current and recent historical cultural characteristics of the community, linguistics may be applied to restoring language competence, and biological, or more specifically "medical" anthropology may be applied to determine the factors contributing to dietary deficiency diseases, etc.

Some regard applied anthropology to be a fifth sub-discipline of anthropology that applies anthropological data, perspectives, theory, and methods to identify, assess and solve contemporary social problems.

Applied anthropologists often work for nonacademic clients such as governments, development agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), tribal and ethnic associations, interest groups, social-service and educational agencies, and businesses. Ethnography and participant observation are the applied anthropologist's primary research tools. They also use textual analysis, survey research and other empirical methods to inform policy or to market products. An applied anthropologist is often likely to be employed in a non-academic setting.

This is a contrast to more academic sociocultural anthropology, which may be more concerned with creating theoretical models which correspond to its units of analysis, e.g. social inequality, performance, exchange, meaning, and so forth. Sometimes the research that falls within the applied field is referred to as "applied" in contrast to academic research, which is referred to as "basic." Business anthropology is an example of "applied" anthropology.

The insight that linguistic and cultural differences exist between project bureaucrats and local client populations.

Today, most applied anthropologists are practitioners who use cross-cultural knowledge and anthropological methods for research and action around the world, not only from a university base.  Practicing anthropologists are found in all business, government, health, education, and human services domains.  They may work for congresswomen, in hospitals, school districts, research and consulting firms, or state and local governments.  They are often researchers but more and more, they don't just study problems.  These anthropologists are often administrators, program directors, and even business owners.  They craft and manage solutions.

Applied and practicing anthropologists confront special challenges. They are called on to offer the anthropological perspective--a view of humanity grounded in a tradition of cross-cultural scholarship and action.  They may work in teams with other professionals; they must communicate across disciplines.

Applied and practicing anthropologists build bridges between cultural worlds.  They may make videos, or write explanations of policy or research for a lay audience. Anthropologists blend respect for cultural difference and awareness of common humanity.  This, combined with interdisciplinary research methods, can help make policies, programs, and plans that improve human well-being around the world.

Practicing anthropology may not be a road to riches but it offers creative, critical professionals wider employment opportunities than ever ...