Exploring How Anthropology Shapes Public Policy

In our society, rules and regulations, known as policies, guide how things work. But have you ever wondered where these policies come from and why they exist? That's where anthropology comes in – it's like a special tool that helps us understand how cultures and societies work.

In the past, anthropology was mainly about studying far-off tribes and ancient civilizations. For instance,  anthropologists might have traveled to remote villages in Africa or South America to study the customs and traditions of indigenous tribes. They would observe their way of life, their rituals, and their social structures. This type of anthropology was valuable for understanding different cultures, but it didn't always connect directly to the issues we face in our everyday lives.

Nowadays, anthropologists are also interested in how policies impact people right here in our own communities. For instance, they might study how government policies on healthcare affect low-income families in urban areas. They could look at things like access to healthcare services, the quality of care provided, and the financial burden on families.

By delving into these topics, anthropologists can uncover how policies are influenced by cultural beliefs, economic interests, and power dynamics. They might find that certain groups, like minorities or the poor, are disproportionately affected by these policies. This type of research helps us understand the real-life consequences of policy decisions and can lead to more informed and equitable policymaking in the future. Anthropologists are also interested in how policies affect our daily lives. They're not just looking at how to solve problems; they're digging deeper to see how policies are influenced by culture and power.

Think about it this way: policies aren't just boring rules written on paper. They're shaped by the values, beliefs, and power struggles in society. Anthropologists study these things to understand why policies are made the way they are and who they benefit or hurt.

Lets consider a common modern day example such as  a city council debating a new law about affordable housing. On the surface, it might seem like a straightforward issue – just a matter of setting rules for building and renting homes at lower prices. But when you look closer, you see that there are deeper factors at play.

Anthropologists might study this situation to understand why some groups are pushing for the law while others are against it. They would explore the underlying values and beliefs that shape people's opinions. For example, they might find that some residents believe in the importance of providing affordable housing as a basic human right, while others prioritize property rights and economic interests.

Furthermore, anthropologists would examine the power dynamics involved in the decision-making process. They might uncover how certain influential groups, such as developers or wealthy residents, exert their influence to shape the outcome of the policy debate. This could include lobbying efforts, campaign contributions, or other forms of political pressure.

By studying these factors, anthropologists can provide insights into why policies are made the way they are and who stands to benefit or be disadvantaged by them. This understanding can inform policymakers and advocates as they work to create more equitable and effective policies that address the needs of all members of society.

In other words,  anthropology helps us listen to the voices of people who are usually left out of policy discussions – like local communities or indigenous groups. By talking to these people and studying their lives, anthropologists can show how policies affect real people in real ways.

Looking back, anthropology has always played a part in understanding important issues like race and gender. And today, it's still relevant, especially when we think about big topics like globalization and war.

In the end, anthropology helps us see that policies aren't just about following rules. They're about understanding people and the world we live in. So, by learning about anthropology and how it shapes public policy, we can all work towards making our society fairer and more inclusive for everyone.

Further Reading:

Shore, Cris (2012) Anthropology and Public Policy. In Sage Handbook of Social Anthropology. Thousand Oaks: Sage

Janine R. Wedel, Cris Shore, Gregory Feldman, Stacy Lathrop (2005). Toward an Anthropology of Public Policy. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 600, pp. 30 - 51

Anne Francis Okongwu and Joan P. Mencher (2000). THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF PUBLIC POLICY: Shifting Terrains. Annu. Rev. Anthropol. 29, pp. 107 - 124