2025/11/12 by Shir Lerman Ginzburg · 2 voices
Arts and Humanities · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Social Sciences · #Anthropology: Ethics, History, Culture #Oral History, Memory, Narrative Analysis #Race, Genetics, and Society
paper · doi:10.1080/08884552.2025.2584188
openalex created_date 2025/11/12 · openalex publication_date 2025/11/12 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
There is an increasing number of anthropologists working in public health due to increased job opportunities and to an interest in a faster-paced, immediately actionable environment. Given the critical role of public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to understand the varied community responses to vaccine and mask mandates, public health greatly benefits from qualitative data. This study asks anthropologists for their motivations in working in public health, what their experiences are, and potential benefits from interdisciplinary collaborations. The results would provide recommendations for improved interprofessional relationships. I distributed an online, anonymous survey and received 90 responses. Most respondents identified as female and were between 35–49 years old. Sixteen codes arose during qualitative data analysis. Primary themes include studying anthropology for idealistic reasons but pursuing public health for employment opportunities. Anthropology contributes nuanced theoretical frameworks to public health, while public health collects, analyzes, and disseminates data to impact public policy. Respondents appreciated the collaborative nature of public health and the interdisciplinary focus on health equity. In summary, anthropology and public health have much to offer each other; both disciplines would benefit from enriched communication and understanding of each other’s methods and theories.