Fact Check: Anthropology as an academic field is in decline

Is Anthropology in Decline? A Fact-Check of the Claim

Introduction

The claim that "anthropology as an academic field is in decline" has surfaced in various discussions surrounding the future of social sciences. This assertion suggests a downturn in both the relevance and employment opportunities for anthropologists, particularly in academic settings. However, the validity of this claim requires a thorough examination of available data and expert opinions.

What We Know

1. Job Placement Trends: A study published in PLOS ONE indicates that job placement trends for anthropology PhD graduates have been bleak, with a notable decline in the number of anthropologists hired for academic roles since 2007 19. The study emphasizes that this decline has significant implications for those pursuing careers in anthropology.

2. Employment Projections: In contrast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for anthropologists and archeologists will grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations 4. This suggests that while academic positions may be dwindling, there may still be opportunities in other sectors.

3. Market Share of Doctoral Programs: Research indicates that a small number of anthropology programs dominate the market share for doctoral degrees, with only a few institutions accounting for a significant percentage of graduates 23. This concentration could contribute to the perception of decline, as fewer programs may lead to fewer job opportunities.

4. Institutional Reports: Various academic institutions, such as Princeton and MIT, have reported on their anthropology departments, highlighting ongoing research and educational initiatives 56. These reports suggest that while challenges exist, there is still active engagement within the field.

5. Challenges Faced: The field of anthropology is reportedly facing an "academic employability crisis," which is compounded by broader economic trends affecting higher education 9. This crisis is characterized by a mismatch between the number of PhD graduates and available academic positions.

Analysis

The claim of decline in anthropology must be evaluated from multiple angles, considering both quantitative data and qualitative assessments.

• Source Reliability: The studies from PLOS ONE and the BLS are peer-reviewed and produced by reputable organizations, lending credibility to their findings. However, the PLOS ONE study focuses on a specific aspect of anthropology (academic job placement), which may not fully represent the field's overall health. The BLS data, while reliable, does not differentiate between academic and non-academic positions, which is crucial for understanding the claim of decline in academia specifically.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: The PLOS ONE article is authored by researchers who may have vested interests in highlighting the challenges within the field, potentially leading to a bias in interpreting the data. Conversely, institutional reports may present a more optimistic view to attract students and funding, which could also introduce bias.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind the job placement studies should be scrutinized. For instance, how were the data collected, and what criteria were used to define "employment" in anthropology? A lack of transparency in these methodologies could undermine the reliability of the findings.

• Contradictory Evidence: While there is evidence of declining academic job placements, the projected growth in employment opportunities for anthropologists suggests that the field may be evolving rather than declining. This divergence indicates that the landscape of anthropology is complex and may not fit neatly into a narrative of decline.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that anthropology is in decline is partially true, as evidenced by the significant decrease in academic job placements for anthropology PhD graduates since 2007. This decline raises valid concerns about the academic job market within the field. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in employment opportunities for anthropologists and archeologists over the next decade, indicating that while academic roles may be diminishing, other sectors may still offer viable career paths.

This nuanced view highlights that the situation is not entirely bleak; rather, it reflects a transformation within the field. The concentration of doctoral programs and the challenges faced by graduates contribute to the perception of decline, but ongoing research and institutional engagement suggest that anthropology remains a relevant discipline.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The data primarily focuses on academic placements, which may not capture the full scope of employment opportunities in anthropology. Additionally, potential biases in the sources and the methodologies used in studies warrant careful consideration.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding the state of anthropology and to consider the complexities involved in assessing the health of academic disciplines.

Sources

1. Mackie, M. E. (2023). Beyond market share: Accounting for doctoral program size in recent rates of anthropology faculty job placement. PLOS ONE. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10208466/
2. PLOS ONE. (2023). Beyond market share: Accounting for doctoral program size in recent rates of anthropology faculty job placement. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10208466/
3. PLOS ONE. (2018). Market share and recent hiring trends in anthropology faculty positions. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6135356/
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Anthropologists and Archeologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm
5. Princeton University. (2023). Anthropology Report 2023-24. Retrieved from https://anthropology.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf1401/files/documents/Princeton%20_Anthropology_Report_2023-24_final_v_99999_COMBINED.pdf
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (2023). Anthropology Report to the President 2022-2023. Retrieved from https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/156197/Anthropology-annualreport-2023.pdf?sequence=1
7. Los Rios Community College District. (2022). Anthropology 2022-2023 Program Review. Retrieved from https://ipp.arc.losrios.edu/ProgramReview/Details?UnitId=216&Year=2022
8. Nature. (2023). Anthropology - Latest research and news. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/subjects/anthropology
9. Anthropology News. (2023). Anthropology at a Crossroads: Confronting Challenges and Reimagining the Future. Retrieved from https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/anthropology-at-a-crossroads-confronting-challenges-and-reimagining-the-future/
10. Association of Social Anthropologists. (2023). Restructuring the ASA: Findings on the Condition of UK Anthropology. Retrieved from https://www.theasa.org/downloads/Condtion%20of%20UK%20anthropology%202023.pdf