a) Tourism Anthropology
Tourism anthropology is a branch of anthropology that studies tourism from a cultural and social perspective. It focuses on how tourism affects local communities, traditions, economies, and environments. Anthropologists analyze the interaction between tourists and hosts, the commodification of culture, and the impact of globalization on indigenous practices.
Key Focus Areas:
- How tourism changes local customs, dress, and rituals
- Positive and negative effects on the community
- Tourism as a tool for cultural preservation or exploitation
Example: In India, tourism in tribal areas like Odisha or Nagaland brings income but also raises concerns about cultural erosion.
b) Capacity Development
Capacity development refers to building skills, knowledge, and resources in individuals or communities to achieve their goals and manage development challenges. In anthropology, it is an important concept in participatory and community-based approaches.
Key Components:
- Training and education to enhance local skills
- Institutional strengthening (e.g., local governance bodies)
- Empowering communities to make informed decisions
Anthropologists often engage in capacity development through participatory rural appraisals (PRA), health education, and women empowerment projects. It ensures that development is sustainable and community-driven.
c) Kinanthropometry
Kinanthropometry is the study of human body size, shape, proportion, and composition in relation to movement and physical performance. It is widely used in sports science, physical education, and ergonomics.
Applications:
- Assessing athlete fitness and training outcomes
- Designing sport-specific training programs
- Preventing injuries by understanding body mechanics
In anthropology, kinanthropometry helps understand how physical traits vary across populations due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It combines knowledge from anatomy, biomechanics, and nutrition to evaluate human performance.