How to Be Political Anthropologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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In recent years, political anthropologists have become increasingly important in helping to understand the complex dynamics of societies and cultures. By studying the political and social structures, beliefs, and customs of a given culture, political anthropologists are able to analyze the causes and effects of political behavior and social change. This analysis can help to explain why certain policies have been successful or unsuccessful, and how certain groups have been affected by such policies.

In addition, by understanding the relationship between culture and politics, political anthropologists are able to identify potential areas of conflict between different groups and recommend strategies to reduce or prevent such conflicts. Furthermore, by examining the various roles that individuals play within a society, they can help to explain the role of power in a society, and how it is used to maintain social order and stability.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology. A bachelor's degree in anthropology will provide extensive knowledge of the social, cultural and physical aspects of humankind. It will also provide a strong foundation for a political anthropology career.
Take courses in political science, sociology and economics. Political anthropology requires an understanding of the political, economic and social systems that influence the way people interact and shape their lives. Taking courses in these related fields will help develop this understanding.
Consider pursuing a master's degree in anthropology or political science. A master's degree in one of these disciplines will provide a more advanced understanding of the politics and policies that influence individuals and cultures.
Research current issues in political anthropology. Political anthropologists are often called upon to analyze and evaluate current events and trends, so it is important to stay up to date on the latest developments in politics and culture.
Participate in internships or field work related to political anthropology. Interning at a political think tank or engaging in field work with local or international NGOs can provide invaluable experience and real-world insight into the field of political anthropology.
Pursue a PhD in anthropology or political science if you want to teach at the college level. Most colleges and universities require a doctorate degree for teaching positions in political anthropology.

Political anthropologists study the way politics and power influence human behavior, beliefs, and social relationships. They observe the ways in which people interact with each other and create rules to govern their behavior. These rules are then used to shape the societies they inhabit.

Political anthropologists use a variety of methods to understand the complex workings of political systems, including interviews, historical records, and field research. Their research can provide valuable insight into the causes and consequences of political decisions, as well as how those decisions affect different populations. By understanding the causes of political phenomena, anthropologists can develop strategies to promote more equitable, just, and humane societies.

You may want to check Medical Anthropologist, Socio-Cultural Anthropologist, and Urban Anthropologist for alternative.

Job Description

Political Analyst
Research Associate
Policy Advisor
Lobbyist
Program Manager
Media Relations Officer
Public Outreach Coordinator
Political Campaign Manager
Political Strategist
International Relations Specialist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the political, economic, and social structures of societies
Understanding of political systems and their dynamics
Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods
Ability to interpret and analyze data
Ability to conduct field research
Knowledge of the history and development of political systems, ideologies, and institutions
Proficiency in writing and presenting research findings
Ability to design and implement research projects
Knowledge of current events and international affairs
Excellent communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Political anthropologists must have a wide range of skills, from analysis to research and communication. Firstly, they must have an understanding of the political structures and processes of the society they are studying. They must be able to identify the causes and effects of political changes, as well as identify potential solutions.

They also need to be able to communicate effectively with members of the society they are studying, and must be able to analyze and understand their culture and beliefs. they must have an extensive knowledge of history, sociology, economics, and international politics. Furthermore, they need to be able to use quantitative methods such as survey research and statistical analysis in order to gather and analyze data.

Lastly, political anthropologists must be able to write well in order to communicate their research findings in a concise and informative manner. These skills are essential for a successful political anthropologist in order to effectively understand and explain the complex political dynamics of a given society or region.

Visual Anthropologist, Maritime Anthropologist, and Forensic Anthropologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What interests you most about Political Anthropology?
How have anthropological perspectives informed your understanding of politics?
How do you incorporate ethical considerations into your research?
What challenges have you faced in your research on political Anthropology?
What methods do you use to analyze political behavior?
What is the relationship between power and politics, in your opinion?
How do you think anthropological insights can be used to better understand current political trends?
What strategies do you use to interpret complex systems of power and politics?
How do you balance the need for objectivity with the subjective nature of qualitative research?
How do you think cultural values can shape political behavior?

Common Tools in Industry

SurveyMonkey. Online survey platform for collecting data from large sample sizes (eg. Surveying public opinion on a new policy).
Qualtrics. Online survey platform for conducting interviews and surveys (eg. Surveying the political views of a population).
NVivo. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software to help organize and analyze qualitative data (eg. Examining content in speeches by political leaders).
Atlas. ti. Software used to analyze qualitative data (eg. Analyzing interviews to investigate how voters perceive political candidates).
SPSS. Statistical software for analyzing quantitative data (eg. Examining the effect of economic factors on voting behavior).
GIS Mapping. Software used to map and visualize data (eg. Creating maps to show the geographical distribution of political support).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Political Science Association
International Political Science Association
American Anthropological Association
Society for Applied Anthropology
American Ethnological Society
Association for Political and Legal Anthropology
Association for Feminist Anthropology
American Sociological Association
Society for Cultural Anthropology
World Council of Anthropological Associations

We also have Industrial Anthropologist, Ethnoarchaeologist, and Primatologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Political Science. The study of political systems, processes, and behavior.
Political Ideology. A set of beliefs about politics and the role of government.
Political Economy. The study of how economic forces shape the structure and functioning of political systems.
Political Theory. The study of the foundations of political thought and ideas.
Power Relations. The relationship between different groups in a society, and how they interact to influence decision-making.
Political Culture. A shared set of values, beliefs, and norms that shape the way people think about politics and the way they behave in politics.
International Relations. The study of relationships between states and other actors in the international system.
Social Movements. Collective efforts to bring about social change through collective action.
Civil Society. A network of organizations, associations, and informal groups that constitute the public sphere outside the state.
Human Rights. Universal moral principles that recognize the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Political Anthropology?

Political Anthropology is the study of the political and power dynamics within societies, cultures and organizations.

What topics do Political Anthropologists study?

Political Anthropologists study topics such as political and social organization, power and authority, conflict resolution, identity, and resistance.

What methods do Political Anthropologists use?

Political Anthropologists use qualitative methods such as participant observation, interviews, and archival research to explore their topics of study.

How long has Political Anthropology been around?

Political Anthropology has been around since the early 20th century, when anthropologists first began to explore the relationship between power and culture.

What is the purpose of Political Anthropology?

The purpose of Political Anthropology is to understand the political dynamics of societies, cultures and organizations in order to inform policy and decision-making.

Web Resources

Political Anthropology | Anthropology - University of California, anthropology.berkeley.edu
Political Anthropology and Political Economy anthropology.stanford.edu
Medical Anthropology | Department of Anthropology anthropology.stanford.edu