Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to understand the occupation of forensic anthropology. My research took place at a premier university for forensic anthropology in the US. This university was chosen because they have a forensic anthropological research facility. I interviewed eight people involved with the university's department of anthropology and the research facility. These people ranged from graduate students to the director of the facility. I analyzed the themes from these interviews using organizational culture theory. This theory was used because to understand the individuals, an understanding of the context in which they work is necessary. I discovered that forensic anthropologists experience a variety of challenges and rewards in the course of their work that is not explicit in the literature. The people I studied valued education, collaboration, and helping others.
Advisor
Frese, Pamela
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Cox, Maria L., "Breaking Down the Bones: Understanding the Occupation of Forensic Anthropology" (2012). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 1122.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/1122
Disciplines
Biological and Physical Anthropology | Educational Sociology
Keywords
forensic anthropology, ethnography
Publication Date
2012
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2012 Maria L. Cox