Using Anthropology in the World

Anthropologist practitioners work outside the confines of the university, putting their knowledge and skills to work on significant problems in a wide variety of different contexts. The demand for anthropologist practitioners is strong and growing; practice is in many ways the leading edge of anthropology today, and one of the most exciting aspects of the discipline. How can anthropology students prepare themselves to become practitioners?
Specifically designed to help students, including those in more traditional training programs, prepare for a career in putting anthropology to work in the world, the book:
- provides an introduction to the discipline of anthropology and an exploration of its role and contribution in today's world;
- outlines the shape of anthropological practice - what it is, how it developed historically, and what it looks like today;
- describes how students of anthropology can prepare for a career in practice, with emphasis on the relationship between theory, method, and application;
- includes short contributions from practitioners, writing on specific aspects of training, practice, and career planning;
- sets out a framework for career planning, with specific and detailed discussions of finding and securing employment;
- reviews some of the more salient challenges arising in the course of a practitioner career; and
- concludes with a discussion of what the future of anthropological practice is likely to be.
Using Anthropology in the World is essential reading for students interested in preparing themselves for the challenges and rewards of practice and application.

Riall W. Nolan is Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University, USA. He has previously worked globally as an applied anthropologist in the field of international development, and subsequently as a senior administrator in large US research universities, using anthropology to promote the internationalization of campuses. His other books include Anthropology in Practice (2003) and The Handbook of Practicing Anthropology (2013).