a) History of Applied Anthropology in the USA
Applied anthropology in the United States has a rich and evolving history. It began in the early 20th century when anthropologists started applying their knowledge to solve social and cultural problems.
Early Phase (1900s–1930s)
- Franz Boas and his students emphasized using anthropology to fight racism and promote cultural understanding.
- Anthropologists worked in museums, government agencies, and Native American reservations.
World War II Era
- Anthropologists like Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead contributed to military intelligence and cultural studies.
- The U.S. government began employing anthropologists for policy-related research.
Post-War Growth
- Applied anthropology grew in fields like development, education, and public health.
- Formation of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) in 1941 gave the field recognition.
Modern Period
- Today, applied anthropologists work in NGOs, government, industry, and academia.
- The field is recognized for solving real-world problems using anthropological methods and ethics.
b) Genetic Screening
Genetic screening is the process of testing individuals or populations for specific inherited conditions or genetic traits. It helps identify risks for genetic disorders and is used in medicine and anthropology.
Applications:
- Newborn screening: Detects genetic disorders like PKU or sickle cell anemia early in life.
- Carrier screening: Determines if someone carries a gene for a genetic disorder.
- Prenatal testing: Tests the fetus for conditions like Down syndrome.
Anthropological Importance:
- Helps understand genetic variation in populations.
- Informs public health planning in tribal or isolated communities.
Ethical Concerns:
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Genetic discrimination
c) Dispute of Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a core ethical principle in anthropology. However, conflicts may arise when protecting participant privacy clashes with legal or moral obligations.
Examples of Disputes:
- Legal obligations: An anthropologist may be required by law to reveal information about criminal activities.
- Moral dilemmas: Keeping confidentiality might harm someone if critical information is withheld.
Solutions:
- Use informed consent to explain confidentiality limits to participants.
- Follow institutional review board (IRB) guidelines.
- Maintain anonymized data whenever possible.
Balancing ethical responsibility and legal/moral duties is essential in resolving confidentiality disputes.