Introduction
Practicing anthropology refers to the application of anthropological knowledge, methods, and perspectives to solve real-world problems outside of academic settings. It includes work done in areas like public health, development, education, business, and government. Practicing anthropologists often work with communities, organizations, and institutions to bring about social change, improve policy, and address practical human issues.
Unlike academic anthropology, which is mainly focused on research and theory, practicing anthropology is action-oriented and problem-solving in nature. It overlaps significantly with applied anthropology, though the former often emphasizes collaboration with non-academic sectors.
Growth During the World Wars
1. Practicing Anthropology During World War I
World War I (1914–1918) was a turning point for many academic disciplines, including anthropology. During this period, anthropologists were recruited to work with governments and military forces to provide cultural insights and help understand enemy and allied populations.
Key Roles:
- Helping with military intelligence through ethnographic knowledge
- Advising on local customs in colonized territories
- Assisting in communication with indigenous soldiers and communities
Although limited in scope, World War I laid the foundation for greater involvement of anthropologists in practical and policy matters.
2. Expansion During World War II
World War II (1939–1945) saw a major expansion in the scope of practicing anthropology. This period marked a significant shift in the way anthropology was applied, particularly in the United States and Europe.
Key Developments:
a) Government and Military Roles
- Anthropologists were employed in strategic planning, cultural training, and intelligence operations.
- They helped in preparing cultural manuals for soldiers stationed abroad, advising on how to interact with local populations.
- Examples include the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in the U.S., where anthropologists like Ruth Benedict contributed cultural knowledge for war strategies.
b) Applied Research
- Anthropologists studied factory work, group behavior, and morale to improve war-time productivity and discipline.
- They collaborated with psychologists and sociologists in interdisciplinary war-time research projects.
c) Japanese and German Cultural Studies
- Ruth Benedict’s famous work “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword” (1946) analyzed Japanese culture during the war without direct fieldwork. It was a form of “culture-at-a-distance” anthropology and had major influence in U.S. policy planning post-war.
Impact of World Wars on Practicing Anthropology
- Expanded the role of anthropologists beyond academic research
- Created job opportunities in public service, military, and international organizations
- Helped develop new subfields such as development anthropology, medical anthropology, and military anthropology
- Raised ethical concerns about the use of anthropological knowledge for war purposes
Post-War Influence
After the wars, many anthropologists continued to work in applied roles. The post-war reconstruction era, decolonization, and development efforts further increased the demand for anthropological input in planning, community development, and public health.
Conclusion
Practicing anthropology grew significantly during the First and especially the Second World War. These global conflicts showed how anthropological insights could be used to understand human behavior in complex environments and to assist in decision-making at national and international levels. Although this period also sparked debates around ethics and professional responsibility, it laid the foundation for modern applied and practicing anthropology.