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The Dissenter

#1026 Robert Borofsky: An Anthropology of Anthropology

Nov 29, 2024
Robert Borofsky, Director of the Center for Public Anthropology and Professor Emeritus, shares his insights on the evolving role of anthropology. He discusses the critical need for anthropologists to focus on the impact of their research, stressing the importance of reciprocity with the communities they study. The conversation delves into academic hegemony, the significance of ethical engagement, and the call for a more public anthropology that prioritizes societal issues over rigid publication standards. Borofsky advocates for a shift in paradigms to revitalize the discipline.
01:13:02

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Quick takeaways

  • Anthropologists must critically reflect on the power dynamics within their own discipline to enhance the relevance of their work.
  • Shifting the focus of anthropological research towards community empowerment and tangible outcomes is essential for ethical practice.

Deep dives

Anthropologists' Responsibility to Their Own Field

Anthropologists have traditionally focused on studying other cultures while often neglecting the dynamics within their own discipline. This oversight can lead to a critical lack of reflection on the power structures that influence anthropological work, including funding and institutional hierarchies. There is a call for anthropologists to examine how these structures shape their research and impact the communities they study, as many of the issues they critique within other societies also exist within their academic environment. The lack of introspection can render the discipline less effective and relevant, leading to a decline in its significance over time.

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