Fact Check: Anthropology as an academic field is in decline

Fact Check: "Anthropology as an academic field is in decline"

What We Know

The claim that "anthropology as an academic field is in decline" can be examined through various metrics, including enrollment trends, job placement statistics, and the overall job outlook for anthropologists and archaeologists.

1. Enrollment Trends: Reports indicate that there has been a decline in humanities enrollments, which includes anthropology, particularly during economic downturns. For instance, at institutions like Utah State University, there has been a reported 44% decline in enrollment in the humanities, art, and social sciences from 2014 to 2023 (BYU Daily Universe). This trend reflects a broader pattern where students gravitate towards fields perceived as more marketable.

2. Job Placement: A study highlighted in PLOS ONE indicates a significant decline in the hiring of anthropologists for academic roles since 2007. This decline is not just statistical; it has real implications for those pursuing careers in anthropology, leading to concerns about the field's viability.

3. Job Outlook: Despite the challenges in academic placements, the job outlook for anthropologists and archaeologists is projected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This suggests that while academic positions may be declining, there is still a demand for anthropologists in other sectors.

Analysis

The evidence presents a mixed picture regarding the state of anthropology as an academic field. On one hand, the decline in enrollments and academic job placements suggests that the field is facing significant challenges. The reported 40% decline in English majors and similar trends in other humanities disciplines indicate a shift in student preferences, likely influenced by economic factors and perceptions of job market viability (BYU Daily Universe).

On the other hand, the projected growth in employment opportunities for anthropologists and archaeologists indicates that the field is not entirely in decline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in this sector, which suggests that while academic roles may be shrinking, there are still opportunities in applied anthropology and related fields (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This growth may be attributed to the increasing recognition of the value of anthropological insights in various sectors, including business, education, and public policy.

However, the credibility of the sources must be considered. The PLOS ONE study is a peer-reviewed publication, lending it significant weight in the academic community. In contrast, reports from university administrators, while informative, may carry inherent biases as they aim to promote their programs.

Conclusion

The claim that "anthropology as an academic field is in decline" is Partially True. While there are clear indicators of decline in academic enrollments and job placements within academia, the overall job outlook for anthropologists and archaeologists remains positive. This suggests that the field is evolving rather than simply declining, with shifts towards applied anthropology and other non-academic roles.

Sources

1. Anthropologists and Archeologists
2. The humanities are shrinking, but not dying - BYU Daily Universe
3. PDF Anthropology, Report to the President 2022-2023
4. Anthropology at a Crossroads: Confronting Challenges and Reimagining ...
5. PDF Restructuring the ASA: Findings on the Condition of UK Anthropology
6. Fact Check: Anthropology as an academic field is in decline
7. Anthropology
8. Ethnographies of a dying discipline: Anthropology in the 21st century ...