Representation, authority and relevance of anthropology : a case study of cultural representation in public land and resource management in British Columbia
Date
1997
Authors
Spalding, Pamela Ruth
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Abstract
For the past few decades many anthropologists have reflected extensively on the goals, methods, products and utility of the discipline. This thesis examines the application of anthropological knowledge and methods to the resolution of non-academic social problems. It argues that while anthropologists must be seen as only one of many authorities on culture and society, they have a distinct and valuable contribution to make to wider forms of public reflection, social conflicts, or cultural differences. The first two chapters of the thesis review the general business of anthropology, and discuss the genesis and impact of anthropology's recent epistemological crisis regarding its conventional modes of representing and interpreting culture and society. Chapter 2 also reviews the growing field of applied anthropology. It is asserted that the concerns raised about representation in anthropology during the reflexive period are equally relevant when applying this knowledge in non-academic settings.
Chapters 3 and 4 explore a unique domain of application for anthropology within British Columbia. For the past century and a half, the resolution and clarification of aboriginal rights and title have been unfinished tasks. Due to a series of recent legal decisions, public governments are compelled to protect aboriginal rights and to acknowledge culturally defined aboriginal practices of land and resource exploitation.
Chapter 3 reveals the historical and legal context within which these decision were made, and also reviews various methodological approaches that have been employed to define and explain the scope and nature of aboriginal rights. Chapter 4 presents a case study wherein a collaborative research approach between the provincial government of British Columbia and a number of First Nations is being taken to help clarify aboriginal rights. In particular, the case study explores and assesses the various roles assumed by anthropologists in representing and interpreting information which will support decisions regarding aboriginal rights. The thesis concludes by reviewing how the challenges encountered in the case study have been discussed extensively during anthropology's recent reflexive period. Recommendations are made regarding how better communication and connections between applied and academic anthropologists, and theory and methods, will help to build a more stable and vital discipline.