Associations of Anthropologists
What is the geography of the discipline of anthropology? How do anthropologists cluster around issues of theory? In 1998 the students in E500 decided to investigate the sub-disciplinary divisions that form around particular issues and approaches. The graduate students in E500 in the spring of 1999 decided to try something very different. They investigated some of the formal associations which anthropologists join, to see how these groups organize anthropologists around particular issues and interests.
The product should be useful to anyone wanting an idea of the kinds of groups this strange tribe of scholars forms itself into. It can also help you learn something about a particular group, based on research and interviews with members.
What did we learn from this exercise?
Anthropological organizations may be formed around a particular goal (applied anthropology), the study of a particular area (Oceania) or topic (work), a theoretical position (humanistic), or the identity of the members (Latino and Latina, European). Mixtures of these principles are common.
Some of the groups are active, others are diffuse and relatively somnolent. It seems to make a difference if there is a core of active people who keep things going. Often the leadership appears to be limited to a particular geographic area or cluster of people who know each other.
In general the organizations were not very responsive to requests for interviews or other information from graduate students. Some people were very helpful, but many did not respond to repeated emails and phone calls.
We hope you find this useful. Responses are welcome!
