Anthropology in Humanitarian Action
Master in Humanitarian Action and Conflict, Uppsala University, Joana Matos, 850630-T228
Question 1
Discuss the most significant parallels and differences between anthropological knowledge and humanitarian action, and reflect on how anthropologists have critiqued humanitarian practices.
In order to answer this question, I will divide it in three different points. Firstly, I will examine the most relevant parallels between anthropological knowledge and humanitarian action, secondly I will analyze their differences, and finally I will close with a personal reflection regarding the shift of anthropology from supporter to criticizer of humanitarian practices, furthermore suggesting that the shift happened …show more content…
Humanitarian actors main focus is the present moment emergency, in a constant “the roof is on fire!” mindset, in contrast, anthropologist methods of work is one that takes long time, where they observe, analyze and pay great attention to people’s culture, identity, and right to more then the bare living conditions. The Zoë vs Bios dilemma is a very interesting one in this context, several anthropologists maintain that humanitarian actors focus only on the Zoë (bare survival) underestimating or even ignore the Bios (right to dignity) (Redfield, 2005; Chkam, 2016), defending that the latter is as important as physical …show more content…
These differences in thinking between humanitarian and anthropologist let them to shift to a much more critical attitude towards humanitarian work then their original all embracing one. Anthropologist studies led them to realize many of the adverse impacts of humanitarian aid, such as its inability to respect their own “rules” (e.g. impartiality and neutrality). One sample of this is the critique made by Hoffman and Olive- Smith in the book Anthropology and the Angry Earth (Hoffman & Oliver-Smith, 1999:11) where they mention:
“Fieldwork has revealed that relief aid is often distributed unevenly in society and helps or hinders people according to criteria such as sex, generation, social rank, and ethnic background. It has further demonstrated how ignorance and disregard of local customs in aiding disaster victims can compound the obstacles and plights survivors
Master in Humanitarian Action and Conflict, Uppsala University, Joana Matos, 850630-T228
Question 1
Discuss the most significant parallels and differences between anthropological knowledge and humanitarian action, and reflect on how anthropologists have critiqued humanitarian practices.
In order to answer this question, I will divide it in three different points. Firstly, I will examine the most relevant parallels between anthropological knowledge and humanitarian action, secondly I will analyze their differences, and finally I will close with a personal reflection regarding the shift of anthropology from supporter to criticizer of humanitarian practices, furthermore suggesting that the shift happened …show more content…
Humanitarian actors main focus is the present moment emergency, in a constant “the roof is on fire!” mindset, in contrast, anthropologist methods of work is one that takes long time, where they observe, analyze and pay great attention to people’s culture, identity, and right to more then the bare living conditions. The Zoë vs Bios dilemma is a very interesting one in this context, several anthropologists maintain that humanitarian actors focus only on the Zoë (bare survival) underestimating or even ignore the Bios (right to dignity) (Redfield, 2005; Chkam, 2016), defending that the latter is as important as physical …show more content…
These differences in thinking between humanitarian and anthropologist let them to shift to a much more critical attitude towards humanitarian work then their original all embracing one. Anthropologist studies led them to realize many of the adverse impacts of humanitarian aid, such as its inability to respect their own “rules” (e.g. impartiality and neutrality). One sample of this is the critique made by Hoffman and Olive- Smith in the book Anthropology and the Angry Earth (Hoffman & Oliver-Smith, 1999:11) where they mention:
“Fieldwork has revealed that relief aid is often distributed unevenly in society and helps or hinders people according to criteria such as sex, generation, social rank, and ethnic background. It has further demonstrated how ignorance and disregard of local customs in aiding disaster victims can compound the obstacles and plights survivors