Applied Anthropology in Europe – a general vision with a look into the future

uma visão geral com uma perspectiva

Abstract

This article provides an overview of applied anthropology activities in Europe, based on the Applied Anthropology Network (AAN) of the European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA). Despite the important role of anthropologists in shaping social responses, their impact remains largely invisible. The text highlights this invisibility and the difficulty of imagining applied careers for anthropology professionals in Europe. The paper cites initiatives of the network, examples of organizations and companies that use anthropological concepts, as well as thematic groups, a podcast and an annual event of note. Although some of these actions involve collaboration with universities, most professionals work outside academia, redefining the influence of anthropology in society. However, their contributions often go unnoticed, as they are absorbed by the organizations in which they work, losing their anthropological identity. Thus, professional organizations have a role in fostering collective identity and imagination to overcome this invisibility.