Op-Eds

“AI Anthropology: A New Opportunity for Anthropological Work” argues that anthropology’s current disciplinary crisisx{2014}declining enrollments, department closures, and competitive displacement by computational fieldsx{2014}also presents an unprecedented opportunity. The article introduces AI Anthropology as a new sub-discipline operating across three dimensions: studying AI as culturally situated artifacts, extending anthropological inquiry with AI-enabled techniques, and embedding anthropological…

“An Anthropology Winter or Strategic Renewal?” examines the mounting pressures facing anthropology as a disciplinex{2014}declining enrollments, program closures, poor job prospects, and competitive displacement by data science and business programsx{2014}and argues that the field’s current tactical responses, while necessary, are insufficient for long-term survival. Drawing on cases like UNC-Greensboro’s program elimination despite strong performance metrics,…

“Brush Strokes to Bytes: Anthropological Praxis in Business” traces an ethnographic journey from Art Basel Miami to the digital art market, revealing how recommender systems amplify existing inequalities rooted in economic, social, and cultural capital. Through fieldwork with artists, gallerists, and collectors, the article demonstrates how algorithmic platforms reinforce hierarchies that disadvantage mid-market artists, and…

“Reimagining Anthropological Praxis” argues that the American Anthropological Association’s 2024 Annual Meeting theme of praxis should be expanded beyond theoretical critique and academic applications to fully encompass the work of practicing, professional, and applied (PPA) anthropologists. The piece highlights how anthropologists are creating tangible impact across sectorsx{2014}from technology design and healthcare to policy and businessx{2014}and…

Anthropology stands at a critical juncture, confronting significant challenges that threaten its relevance and sustainability. This article explores the internal paradoxes within the discipline, particularly the disconnect between its perceived value and its diminishing presence in academia and public discourse. It argues that entrenched narratives within anthropology have inadvertently isolated it from interdisciplinary collaboration and…

This article explores how anthropology can evolve beyond its traditional role of critique to actively shape solutions in today’s rapidly changing world. It argues that anthropologists have a unique perspective that’s invaluable in addressing global challenges, particularly in emerging technology fields. The piece highlights examples of anthropologists already making an impact in tech innovation, from…

Anthropology programs face a growing imperative to prepare students for diverse career paths, yet many students feel ill-equipped to translate their education into post-graduation success. This article shares key insights from focus groups conducted with anthropology students in January 2023 by the Anthropology Career Readiness Network to understand perceptions of career preparation and school-to-work transitions.…

“Consumer DNA Tests and the Value-Ethics Paradox” examines the tension between the documented ethical concerns of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and the genuine personal value millions of consumers derive from these services. Drawing on ethnographic research with test users, the article traces how historical disruptions to kinship and cultural identity have created demand for genetic self-knowledge,…

An overview of how anthropologists can position themselves for careers in artificial intelligence, covering relevant skills, career pathways, and the unique value anthropological training brings to AI product development and research.

A career guide for anthropology graduates exploring user experience research, covering how to translate ethnographic skills into UX roles, portfolio development, and job search strategies.

A practical guide for anthropologists seeking to increase their professional visibility and impact, covering strategies for public engagement, digital presence, and applied work beyond traditional academic publishing.

The collection of genetic biodata for the reunification of families must safeguard individuals’ agency, provide meaningful informed consent, and protect privacy.

Users of direct-to-consumer genetic tests often begin their journey with great hope but fail to grasp the benefits and risks, coming to fear the privacy issues of exchanging their biocapital for promises of future-oriented knowledge.

Interested in working in enterprise user experience (EUX)? Matt Artz discusses the opportunities and challenges of working with enterprise software and offers some tips for finding a job and being successful in EUX.

An anthropological argument for why big data and qualitative research should be combined.

Anthropologists are often unique individuals. Most are naturally curious and often obsessed with getting to the root cause of human problems. These traits led many to the exoticness of anthropology in the first place, but it is also why anthropologists make great product managers. If you are trained in anthropology and enjoy defining problems and…

User Experience (UX) design, while by no means new, is certainly not part of every business’ culture. It does not matter if it is an agency or internal design department at a corporation, there are still many organizations who have not embraced a user-focused approach to design. If you work in one of those organizations,…

As UX practitioners we must work to understand users’ conscious and unconscious actions, but how? We all know that users often misreport when asked questions, not because they are looking to intentionally deceive us, but because they are humans with their specializations, constructed self-images, and fallible memories. More often than not, they will lack the…