Abstract
My Independent Study looks at anthropological engagement with the military, Can anthropology help the military to perform missions more efficiently? Should anthropologists support engagement with the military? Anthropology has the ability to curb the amount of damage the military can do when deployed, My methods included using a case study of the Culture and Language Center at Air University of Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. I interviewed the staff at the Center, did participant observation and did content analysis of the Center and Air University's websites, Through a cross-cultural competence course, the Center is attempting to help Airmen be more efficient in their missions through influence. I was not expecting to hear anthropologists suggesting "influence" as the solution to the military's cross-cultural problems, The way anthropologists engage with the military is changing. My results show that, provided both anthropologists and the military proceed in an ethical manner, engagement and influence can save lives on both sides of enemy lines.
Advisor
McConnell, David
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Howard, Madeleine M., "Your Anthropologist Wears Combat Boots: a Critical Analysis of Anthropological Engagement With the Military" (2009). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 1169.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/1169
Disciplines
Military and Veterans Studies | Social and Cultural Anthropology | Social Psychology and Interaction
Publication Date
2009
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2009 Madeleine M. Howard