Applied anthropology is the practical use of anthropological theories, methods, and findings to solve real-world problems. It involves applying insights from cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological anthropology to address social, economic, health, and environmental issues.
Key Areas of Applied Anthropology:
- Medical Anthropology – Helps improve healthcare systems by considering cultural perspectives on health and illness.
- Business Anthropology – Assists corporations in understanding consumer behavior, workplace culture, and globalization.
- Environmental Anthropology – Addresses human interactions with the environment, including climate change and conservation efforts.
- Forensic Anthropology – Aids in crime investigations by analyzing human remains.
- Development Anthropology – Works with organizations to design culturally appropriate development projects.
- Educational Anthropology – Improves educational systems by considering cultural influences on learning.
Where Applied Anthropologists Work:
- Government agencies
- Nonprofits and NGOs
- Corporations
- Law enforcement
- Healthcare institutions
- International development organizations
It differs from academic anthropology because it focuses on solving practical problems rather than just studying human cultures for knowledge’s sake.