Applying Anthropology in Brazil: Professionalism and the Commitment to Social Action

Abstract

The practice of anthropology in Brazil has a long history of engagement with local communities, development projects and political advocacy. While the practical aspects of the discipline do not fall under any special rubric of "applied," per se, Brazilian anthropologists have been actively involved in lobbying, policy formulation, community development, and advocacy. These activities are often embraced as a distinct subfield of the discipline of anthropology by their North American counterparts. However, although they are quite evident in Brazil, these activities have never been termed as a special component of Brazilian Anthropology. Thus, while unnamed, applied anthropology in Brazil has been part and parcel of the profession almost since its inception.