Why the World Needs Anthropologists

by Dan Podjed (Editor), Carla Guerrón Montero (editor)

What do anthropologists do? Why do their insights matter? How can they add new perspectives on cultural concerns and socio-political issues?

In this book, prominent anthropologists address these questions. Each author:

- explores the social value and practical application of anthropology, while sharing their career path stories
- provides the reader with five tips about what anthropologists should, or should not, do in their practice
- shares the kinds of skills and knowledge anthropologists should obtain to help change the world for the better.

The authors provide specific suggestions to anthropologists and the public at large on practical ways to use anthropology to change the world for the better, addressing topics as varied as sustainability, organizational change, social entrepreneurship, and development.

Devised for students, this edited collection offers an accessible guide to practical anthropological work beyond the academy.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction

246 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Author, anthropologist, researcher, university teacher, observer of everyday life. Committed to the development of humane, meaningful and sustainable products and services.

Reviews

[Federica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't disappoint. As an anthropologist PhD graduate myself who has never been particularly interested in pursuing an academic career, I was looking forward to this book. It's a collection of chapters by anthropologists who are "out there", doing incredibly interesting and valuable things. To the non anthropologists, this book explains and demonstrates clearly the potential and the benefits of using applied anthropology in a moltitude of situations.
I very much liked how each chapter is followed by an extensive personal biography of the author narrating how they became anthropologists and how they shaped their careers. I also found useful the pragmatic approach of ending each chapter with tips from each author, especially when these were concrete suggestions of what to do or how to advance in your own applied anthropological practice.
This is a book for anthropologists looking for inspiration, it's a self-confidence boost, and practical guide.
If you're not an anthropologist and unsure about working with one, you should read this book as it explains what we do in plain terms and the potential of anthropological thinking in non-academic endeavours.
Best quote: "The anthropological mindset is bound by the way we ask questions, by the way we immerse ourselves in understanding and meaning... We have the ability to help others to see the exact same thing they have always been seeing with new eyes and new understanding - and that is how we facilitate change" (Anna Kirah, p.139)

[Kika Barreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emblematic. The book assembles texts from practictioners with different paths and experiences. It successfully combines theory with an exploration of rich case studies and practical examples. The authors addressed many of the thoughts and concerns that I had myself a few years ago, as a recent MA anthropology graduate.

I particularly value when some of the texts take the focus away from the world needing more anthropologists, and reframe it as us needing to be better at responding to the needs and challenges of the world (/collectivity).

I am certain that I will use this book as a reference and come back to it time and again.

P.S: The 5 tips at the end of each chapter are the cherry on top.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening. The stereotype of anthropologist as “pith helmet, sandals with socks wearing” researchers visiting the farthest reaches on the planet is blown apart by the evolution of anthropology applied to problems in development, in public policy, and management of both service organizations and industrial firms. I am not trained in anthropology but I was very impressed with the kind of work applied and design anthropology performs and the fascinating jobs the new generation of anthropologists do. I highly recommend this book and even this discipline to young people who want to change how our society works.

[Dan Podjed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it through and through while editing - and I still like it :)