Social Work Anthropology

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Recommended: Applied anthropology and social work

Applying Anthropology: Anthropology and Social Work
ANTH.210
Fayetteville State University
Keli’ikai Aipia
Spring 2017

In order to incorporate anthropology with social work, understanding the meaning of both disciplines must be attained. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Anthropology is defined as the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, culture, environmental and social relations, (Merriam-Webster.com n.d.). Social workers use their knowledge and skills to provide social amenities for clients (within individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or society). Social workers assist people by enhancing their abilities for problem solving and managing, …show more content…

Application of these anthropological studies in social work can benefit in multiple ways. A few of the four anthropology fields will be identified and discussed when applying skills to the social work area in Hawai’i.
Cultural anthropology is used by social workers to have a better understanding of the individual’s culture and their cultural perspective. For instance, in Japan, it is considered rude to look someone in the eye when speaking, where here in the United States, it customary to look at that individual. A social worker would not want to be disrespectful and possibly lose a client due to miscommunication and not being properly educated and aware. Cultural awareness is key when dealing with a client of another cultural environment.
The data gathered by biological anthropologists on living populations, falls into numerous overlying classifications. Evolution and biosocial variation are essential themes in studies that deal with nutrition, child growth, health within societies, the genetics of human populations, and adaptation to the environment (American Association of Physical Anthropologists n.d.). Understanding how Eskimos have survived in the harsh cold of the Arctic using clever behavioral modifications alongside biological adaptations is an example of biological …show more content…

They ask questions such as, what message is being conveyed, how is it formed, and what is the cultural meaning? Linguistic anthropologists initiate their work using instruments initially developed by descriptive linguists to define various elements of language and the assortment of sounds individuals use when speaking.
Linguistic anthropologists teach us that individuals use a massive diversity of languages and dialects to communicate ideas. Several languages, however, have established a particular vocabulary to converse about things important to their culture. People who speak English have started to use words associated with computers in their everyday dialogue. The terms download, boot, e-mail, hack, and surf the web, were never used until recently. Comparing cultures and languages, linguistic anthropologists can understand the major concerns, interests and even physical environments of various groups of people.
Applying anthropology to social work can be done in various ways. Linguistic is used through translation of language and sound. Cultural is applied through knowledge of client’s society and customs. Physical (biological) aspects are utilized in understanding the causes of a particular epidemic in a population to aid

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