Friday, August 27, 2010

Anthropological studies and social problems

Discussion requirements:
How can anthropological studies be used to help understand and deal with modern social problems? Give at least one example of how an anthropologist might help solve a social problem that exists today.

Response:

The study of humankind is such a huge undertaking. The amount of variables that exist with in just a single family are enormous when comparing it to the family next door. And today, the very concept of family is undergoing a reconstruction; or at least a redfining of what is family. What I find most intriguing is anthropology's search to understand the whys of the past to help us anticipate the destinations of the future.

For example: Polygamy - does it have a place today in our society? Anthropology can seek to understand the impact the polygamist family framework might have had at times in the past and extrapolate its benefits and consequences for today. Right now, I don't think anthropology can solve social problems but rather sheds light on potential outcomes of our choices today based on the choices of the past. Anthropolgical study of same sex marriage in ancient Greece may provide some insight into how the United States of America might mold its society to allow for this new familial framework to exist. However, it could also expose potential dangers to a society that embraces the practice and what the United States of America is getting itself into if same-sex marriage becomes a social norm. (Please keep in mind I'm not arguing the rights/wrongs of eith polygamy or same-sex marriage. They're just two examples I picked.)

But here's the real issue, in my opinion: as we study the past and relate it to the present, can we be unbiased and open to the potential future anthropological studies forecast? When voices from the dust whisper or shout to us, are we really listening? I'm thinking of the parent-child analogy where the findings of anthropology are the parent and we, the students of anthropology, are the child.


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