The American Anthropological Association (AAA) is an organization comprising scholars and practitioners in the field of anthropology. Established in 1902, the association is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It boasts a membership of over 10,000 individuals, including archaeologists, cultural anthropologists, biological anthropologists, linguistic anthropologists, medical anthropologists, and applied anthropologists from various institutions worldwide.
The AAA is responsible for publishing more than 20 peer-reviewed scholarly journals, accessible both in print and online via AnthroSource. The association’s primary aim is to promote the science of anthropology, stimulate efforts of American anthropologists, foster related societies, serve as a bond among anthropologists and related organizations, and encourage the publication of anthropological content.
History
The first anthropological society in the U.S. was the American Ethnological Society of New York, established by Albert Gallatin and later revived by Franz Boas in 1899 after a period of inactivity. In 1879, the Anthropological Society of Washington was founded, which initially published the journal “American Anthropologist” before it gained national recognition. The American Association for the Advancement of Science also established an anthropological section in 1882.
The idea of creating a single national anthropological society was discussed as early as 1898. However, concerns about its potential impact on the American Association for the Advancement of Science led to prolonged discussions. By 1901, members from the American Ethnological Society and the Anthropological Society of Washington attended a meeting of the AAAS anthropologists in Chicago. There was a general consensus about forming a national society. Franz Boas proposed a restricted membership of 40 “professional anthropologists,” but the AAA’s first president, W. J. McGee, ensured that membership would be open to all interested in the discipline. The AAA was officially founded in 1902.
Upon its incorporation, the AAA took over the responsibilities for the journal “American Anthropologist,” which was initially created in 1888 by the Anthropological Society of Washington.
Starting with an initial membership of 175, the AAA experienced slow growth during the first half of the 20th century. Their annual meetings were primarily held in the Northeast and could accommodate all attendees in a single room. Over the years, the association has described itself as a “democratic organization.”
In 2010, a significant controversy arose when the AAA Executive Board removed the word “science” from a draft statement of its long-range plan. This change led to debates within the anthropological community about the definition and scope of the discipline.
Over the years, the AAA has been actively involved in various public issues, ranging from supporting the Antiquities Act of 1906 to challenging immigration laws and engaging with military operations.
Structure and Organization
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) is a comprehensive organization that encompasses various specializations within the field of anthropology. Its structure and organization are designed to cater to the diverse needs of anthropologists from different subfields.
Business Affairs and Governance The AAA’s business affairs are managed by a 41-member Section Assembly, which represents each of the association’s constituent sections. This assembly ensures that all specialized groups within the AAA have a voice in its operations. Additionally, there’s a 15-member Executive Board that plays a pivotal role in decision-making and overseeing the association’s activities.
Sections The AAA comprises 40 sections, each organized around specific identity affiliations or intellectual interests within anthropology. These sections play a crucial role in the association’s structure, allowing members to align with specific areas of interest or expertise. Each section has its elected president or chair, and many of them publish journals and host meetings. Some of the sections include the American Ethnological Society (AES), Anthropology and the Environment (A&E), Association for Feminist Anthropology (AFA), and the Archaeology Division of the American Anthropological Association (AD), among others.
Publications The AAA is also known for its extensive publication efforts. It publishes more than 20 section publications, including renowned journals like the American Anthropologist, American Ethnologist, and Cultural Anthropology. The association’s official magazine, Anthropology News, is published bimonthly. All these publications are available online through AnthroSource, the AAA’s online repository.
Functions and Operations
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) serves as the primary professional organization for anthropologists in the United States. Its functions and operations are multifaceted:
1. Professional Development: The AAA offers resources, workshops, and conferences to help anthropologists advance in their careers, ensuring they remain updated with the latest research and methodologies.
2. Advocacy: The association champions the value of anthropology and promotes its relevance in addressing contemporary societal challenges. It also advocates for anthropological education and research funding.
3. Publications: The AAA publishes a range of journals, newsletters, and books that cover various subfields of anthropology, ensuring the dissemination of research findings and discussions.
4. Conferences: The AAA hosts annual meetings, which are significant events in the anthropological calendar. These meetings provide a platform for professionals to present research, network, and discuss emerging trends.
5. Networking: Through its numerous sections and interest groups, the AAA facilitates networking opportunities for its members, allowing them to collaborate and share insights.
6. Public Education: The association is committed to educating the public about anthropology’s value, often organizing outreach programs, lectures, and events for the general public.
7. Ethical Guidelines: The AAA provides guidelines and standards for ethical practice in anthropology, ensuring that research is conducted with integrity and respect.
Controversy
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) has not been without its share of controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies revolved around the association’s stance on the nature and definition of anthropology.
“Science” Controversy: In 2010, a significant debate emerged within the anthropological community when the AAA Executive Board revised the association’s long-range plan by removing the word “science” from its mission statement. The original wording described anthropology as “the science that studies humankind in all its aspects,” but the revised version emphasized anthropology’s role in “the public understanding of humankind.” This change sparked intense discussions and debates among anthropologists.
Many professionals in the field were concerned that removing the term “science” undermined the empirical and methodological foundations of anthropology, especially when considering the discipline’s roots in scientific inquiry. They argued that this change could diminish the perceived rigor and credibility of anthropological research.
On the other hand, some members of the association felt that the term “science” was too limiting and did not adequately capture the holistic and diverse nature of anthropology, which encompasses both scientific and humanistic approaches.
The controversy highlighted the ongoing tension within the discipline between those who emphasize anthropology’s scientific foundations and those who focus on its interpretive, cultural, and qualitative dimensions.
In response to the backlash, the AAA clarified its position, stating that the change was not intended to reject the scientific aspects of anthropology but rather to emphasize the discipline’s broader contributions to understanding humanity.
This controversy underscores the complexities and debates within the anthropological community about the nature, scope, and definition of the discipline.
Conclusion
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) stands as a prominent organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of humanity through anthropological research. Established in 1902, the AAA has grown to encompass a diverse membership, representing various subfields of anthropology. Throughout its history, the association has played a pivotal role in shaping the discipline, fostering academic discourse, and promoting public understanding of anthropological insights. While it has faced controversies, notably regarding its stance on the definition of anthropology and ethical considerations, the AAA remains committed to its mission. Balancing tradition with innovation, the AAA continues to influence both the academic world and broader society, emphasizing the importance of anthropological perspectives in addressing contemporary global challenges.