Notes Toward a New Future: Applied Anthropology in Century XXI

We are challenged to define a new applied anthropology to meet the terms and conditions of a new century. First, it requires us to recognize the epigenetic transformation in the sociocultural landscape that defines our field. The new landscape is shaped in the image of globalization: the worldwide expansion of neoliberal political structures and the capitalist economies which they facilitate and promote both at home and abroad. Second, we must cultivate new working relationships with the emerging social components occupying that landscape—supergovernmental units (World Bank, diversified corporations, global NGOs) at the top and microlevel indigenous peoples’ organizations—often victims of capitalist expansion— at the bottom. Third, we need to acquire and manipulate the concepts and processes that define this landscape as scientists see it. Finally, we must build models to apply this revised mindset to the improvement of the quality of life for those who request our services. Applied anthropology must “com...