Unethical practice of anthropology

Myths about anthropology
Misrepresentation in anthropology
Corruption of anthropologists
Underreporting of hazards to minority cultures
Misconduct of social anthropologists
Harassment by field anthropologists
Bribery of anthropologists
Illegal acquisition of cultural artefacts
Abusive cultural research

Nature

Unethical practice of anthropology refers to actions by anthropologists that violate ethical standards, such as exploiting research subjects, misrepresenting cultures, or conducting studies without informed consent. These practices can harm individuals or communities, perpetuate stereotypes, and undermine trust in the discipline. Unethical behavior may include covert observation, data fabrication, or collaboration with oppressive regimes. Such actions are widely condemned by professional organizations, as they compromise the integrity of anthropological research and its commitment to respect, transparency, and social responsibility. Addressing unethical practices is essential to uphold the discipline’s credibility and protect the rights and dignity of those studied.

Background

The unethical practice of anthropology gained global attention in the mid-20th century, as revelations emerged about exploitative fieldwork, misrepresentation of studied communities, and complicity in colonial agendas. Landmark controversies, such as the Yanomami blood sample case and Project Camelot, prompted widespread scrutiny and debate within the discipline. Over time, increased advocacy from indigenous groups and professional bodies has heightened awareness of ethical breaches, leading to ongoing reassessment of anthropological methods and responsibilities worldwide.

Incidence

Unethical practices in anthropology have been documented across continents, affecting Indigenous and marginalized communities through exploitative research, misrepresentation, and unauthorized use of cultural knowledge. Such incidents have led to widespread mistrust of anthropologists and hindered collaborative research efforts globally. The persistence of these practices, despite the establishment of ethical guidelines, underscores their ongoing relevance and the need for vigilance within the discipline.
In 2021, controversy arose at the American Museum of Natural History in New York when it was revealed that anthropologists had retained and studied human remains from Indigenous communities without consent, sparking public outcry and calls for repatriation and ethical reform.

Claim

Anthropologists, under pressure from their employers, have adopted practices which lead to the underreporting of hazards to minority cultures, especially as a consequence of intrusion by other cultural systems. Bioscientists have failed to investigate adequately the nature of such hazards in the process of further developing knowledge about such cultures. There is little peer control of irresponsible intervention in minority cultures with the associated introduction of exotic artefacts and modes of behaviour. Anthropologists participate in acquisitive practices by universities, universities and art galleries which deprive cultures of their traditional artefacts, some of which may be vital symbols of their cultural heritage.

Counter-claim

The so-called "unethical practice of anthropology" is vastly overstated and not a significant problem today. Modern anthropologists adhere to strict ethical guidelines, and isolated incidents from the past are not representative of the field as a whole. Focusing on this issue distracts from the valuable cultural understanding anthropology provides. It is time to move beyond exaggerated concerns and recognize that unethical practices are rare and not a pressing issue in contemporary anthropology.