TWO small discussion assignments!
Introduction
In Chapter 1: Introduction to Anthropology (https://perspectives.pressbooks.com/chapter/introduction-to-anthropology/), three anthropologists describe how they first became interested in anthropology and how they have used their training in anthropology to conduct research. These anthropologists all demonstrate the endless potential of the discipline and identify important questions to understanding culture. Cultural Anthropologists focus on the way beliefs, practices, and symbols bind groups of people together and shape their worldview and lifeways.
Read (attached in file)
Anthony Kwame Harrison: the study of race in the United States
Bob Myers: health experiences on the island of Dominica
Lynn Kwiatkowski: hunger and gender violence in the Philippines
Think Point
Find a research projects listed above that seems the most interesting to you. Ask yourself how you think the participant-observation fieldwork they describe leads to information that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to learn?
Post (15 points = 15 sentences minimum)
Questions to answer for Discussion 1:
Thinking about your own culture, describe an example of a belief, practice, or symbol that would be interesting to study anthropologically.
Explain if you would use Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, OR Archaeology to evaluate your cultural belief, practice, or symbol. Why is this the best field of study to use for your example?
Describe the anthropological fieldwork methods you would use to learn more about human behavior and culture.
2.
Introduction
The relationship between ethics and research is one of the most important problems faced by anthropologists. It is important for anthropologists to be accountable for their data collection and ensure that research is valid. They also carry an ethical responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of their participants and not harm research subjects.
Acting as a Cultural Anthropologist, a crucial ethical issue will arise in our work. To learn about dilemmas and solutions, read the example Case Studies (https://www.americananthro.org/LearnAndTeach/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=12912) provided by the American Anthropological Association. Next, we will offer a workable social policy to help resolve our issue and educate colleagues. Our guidelines can be used to provide a sense of protection for anthropologists who may come under pressure to act in ways that contradict their professional standards and ethics.
Watch Video
Ethics in Anthropology
REVIEW: In this 3-minute video, Associate Professor Sienna Craig shares the privileges and responsibilities she carries as an Ethnographer/Anthropologist. Participants share difficult stories in confidence, and how should these stories be told to not only validate feelings expressed, but provide meaning. Following ethical guidelines are important to respect people’s privacy, intactness, and respect.
Read
Association of Social Anthropologists: Ethical dilemmas in professional practice in anthropology (https://www.theasa.org/networks/apply/ethics/dillemmas)
American Anthropological Association: Principles of Profession Responsibility (Current) (http://ethics.americananthro.org/category/statement/)
American Anthropological Association: Past AAA Statements on Ethics (https://www.americananthro.org/ParticipateAndAdvocate/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=1656)
Post: (15 points = 15 sentences minimum)
Questions to answer for Discussion 2:
You are acting as a Cultural Anthropologists conducting ethnographic research out in the field:
Identify what culture or cultural region you are studying; If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Describe an issue that you hope to gain a greater understanding of why it has occurred/is occurring in the culture you are studying; What would you study?
Explore a potential ethical dilemma or situation you may face; What is a potential problem where you need to exercise good judgment?
Create a moral statement that can be used as a framework for colleagues who can follow your social policy to maintain principles of professional responsibility and ethical conduct.
