Do Cultural Anthropologists Have to Travel Around the World?

Cultural anthropology is a discipline that often involves extensive travel, but it's not a strict requirement for all practitioners. The primary goal of a cultural anthropologist is to study cultures and social practices, a task that can be accomplished in various ways. Understanding the nuanced roles of travel and local research in this field helps clarify the profession's diversity.

Fieldwork and Immersion

Many cultural anthropologists spend significant time in specific communities, immersing themselves in the local culture through participant observation, interviews, and other methods. This type of fieldwork is considered foundational for gaining a deep understanding of the culture under study. However, this is not the only means by which cultural anthropologists conduct their research.

Local Studies Without Extensive Travel

Alternatively, some anthropologists focus on cultures or communities closer to home, such as urban environments, subcultures, or immigrant communities. This approach eliminates the need for extensive travel while still yielding valuable data and insights. The key is to find communities where the researcher can deeply engage with the local culture and social dynamics.

Remote Research and Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology have opened new avenues for cultural anthropologists who prefer or are unable to travel extensively. They can now conduct research remotely using online interviews, digital ethnography, and other digital tools. This method allows researchers to study cultures in various parts of the world without the need for physical travel, broadening the scope of their work.

The Importance of Cultural Understanding

While travel is common, the true requirement for a cultural anthropologist is to gain a deep understanding of at least one culture that is not their own. The experience of learning a new language provides a metaphor for this understanding, highlighting the importance of recognizing that one's cultural perspective is just one of many. This understanding leads to a more comprehensive view of our world and our species.

Missionaries as Cultural Anthropologists?

Interestingly, Mormon missionaries assigned to foreign countries often develop a lifelong regard for the country, its people, its language, and its culture. This experience contributes to the cosmopolitan nature of Mormons, particularly in comparison to very conservative American subcultures like Protestant fundamentalists, who have never traveled. This example underscores the transformative power of cultural immersion and the potential impact of long-term engagement with other cultures.

Staying Local

Many cultural anthropologists do not need to travel extensively to conduct meaningful research. A friend of mine from graduate school conducted his field research a couple of blocks off campus. This illustrates that any specific community has a unique culture, and cultural anthropologists are interested in studying them all. For those who prefer to stay closer to home, studying cultures nearby can be just as enriching and fulfilling as more extensive travel.

Ultimately, the decision to travel or stay local in cultural anthropology is a matter of personal preference and the specific research goals of the individual. Both approaches have their merits and can lead to rich and valuable insights into the diverse tapestry of human cultures.

Hope this helps clarify the world of cultural anthropology for those interested in exploring it further.