American Anthropological Association

Definition

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) is the largest professional organization of anthropologists in the United States. It serves as a leading voice for the discipline, promoting the practice and advancement of anthropology through various initiatives and programs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AAA was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
2. The AAA represents over 10,000 members, including academic, applied, and practicing anthropologists.
3. The AAA publishes several academic journals, including the American Anthropologist and the American Ethnologist.
4. The AAA's Code of Ethics outlines the ethical responsibilities of anthropologists, including respect for human rights and cultural differences.
5. The AAA advocates for the recognition and utilization of anthropological knowledge in addressing societal challenges and informing public policies.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the American Anthropological Association in promoting the practice and advancement of anthropology.
  • The American Anthropological Association (AAA) plays a crucial role in promoting the practice and advancement of anthropology. As the largest professional organization of anthropologists in the United States, the AAA serves as a leading voice for the discipline, advocating for the recognition and utilization of anthropological knowledge in addressing societal challenges and informing public policies. The AAA achieves this through various initiatives, such as publishing academic journals, setting ethical guidelines for anthropological research, and providing resources and support for both academic and applied anthropologists.
• Describe how the AAA's Code of Ethics influences the professional conduct and research practices of anthropologists.
  • The AAA's Code of Ethics is a set of principles and guidelines that anthropologists are expected to follow in their professional conduct and research practices. This code outlines the ethical responsibilities of anthropologists, including respect for human rights, cultural differences, and the well-being of research participants. By adhering to this code, anthropologists are required to consider the ethical implications of their work and ensure that their research and practices align with the core values of the discipline, such as cultural sensitivity, social responsibility, and the promotion of human welfare. The Code of Ethics serves as a crucial framework for maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the anthropological profession.
• Analyze how the AAA's advocacy for the recognition and utilization of anthropological knowledge can contribute to addressing societal challenges and informing public policies.
  • The American Anthropological Association's advocacy for the recognition and utilization of anthropological knowledge can significantly contribute to addressing societal challenges and informing public policies. Anthropologists, through their holistic understanding of human cultures, behaviors, and social dynamics, can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can inform decision-making processes and the development of effective solutions to complex social, economic, and environmental issues. By actively promoting the integration of anthropological expertise into policymaking and problem-solving, the AAA aims to ensure that anthropological knowledge is leveraged to improve human well-being, foster cultural understanding, and support sustainable development. This advocacy role of the AAA is crucial in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications, ultimately enhancing the impact and relevance of anthropology in addressing the pressing challenges faced by societies.

Related terms

Anthropology: The study of humans and human behavior and societies in the past and present.

Applied Anthropology: The application of anthropological methods and theories to address real-world problems and improve human well-being.

Code of Ethics: A set of principles and guidelines that anthropologists are expected to follow in their professional conduct and research practices.