Applied anthropology in Great Britain has a rich history, with contributions spanning various domains such as colonial administration, social welfare, healthcare, and community development.
Here’s an overview of the history of applied anthropology in Great Britain:
- Colonial Administration: During the colonial period, British anthropologists played significant roles in colonial administration, serving as advisors and consultants to colonial governments. Anthropologists such as Bronislaw Malinowski and E.E. Evans-Pritchard conducted ethnographic research in British colonies, providing insights into local cultures, social structures, and political systems. Their work informed colonial policies and practices, although it was not always without controversy regarding issues of cultural imperialism and exploitation.
- Social Welfare and Healthcare: In the early 20th century, applied anthropology in Great Britain expanded its focus to include social welfare and healthcare. Anthropologists worked with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and healthcare providers to address social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and public health issues. They conducted research on topics such as housing, family dynamics, and community health, applying anthropological insights to improve social policies and service delivery.
- Community Development: After World War II, applied anthropology in Great Britain became increasingly concerned with community development and social change. Anthropologists worked with local communities, government agencies, and international development organizations to promote economic development, social cohesion, and participatory decision-making. They employed methods such as participatory research, action research, and community-based interventions to empower communities and address their needs and priorities.
- Urban Anthropology: In the post-war period, anthropologists in Great Britain also turned their attention to urban areas, studying the social dynamics and cultural diversity of cities. Urban anthropologists conducted research on topics such as migration, ethnic identity, urbanization, and social inequality, shedding light on the complexities of urban life and informing urban planning and policy-making.
- Applied Medical Anthropology: Applied medical anthropology emerged as a distinct subfield within applied anthropology in Great Britain, focusing on the intersections of culture, health, and illness. Anthropologists collaborated with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to address health disparities, improve healthcare access, and promote culturally sensitive healthcare practices. They conducted research on topics such as traditional medicine, reproductive health, mental health, and the social determinants of health.
- International Development: In recent decades, applied anthropology in Great Britain has increasingly engaged with international development issues, including poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and humanitarian assistance. Anthropologists work with international development agencies, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to address global challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and human rights violations. They apply anthropological methods and perspectives to understand local contexts, facilitate community participation, and promote culturally appropriate and sustainable development initiatives.
Overall, the history of applied anthropology in Great Britain reflects its diverse contributions to addressing social, economic, and health-related challenges both domestically and globally, while also grappling with ethical considerations and complexities inherent in applied work.