Changing the Landscape of Identity in Forensic Anthropology

1 SNA International supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hickam, Hawaii, USA. 2 Humanities and Sciences Interdepartmental Programs, Stanford University, Stanford, California, *Correspondence to: Briana T. New, 590 Moffet St., HI 96853 E-mail: [email protected]. KEY WORDS: forensic anthropology, identity, casework, multidisciplinary. Human Biology, Winter 2021, v. 93, no. 1. doi: 10.13110/humanbiology.93.1.04. Copyright © 2021 Wayne State University Press, Detroit, Michigan 48201 Changing Landscape of Identity in Forensic Anthropology New1 * Bridget F. B. Algee-Hewitt2 The articles that comprise this special issue, “Changing Anthropology,” grew from a symposium titled “ExpandingBoundaries :EmbracingtheIntersectionality to Account for Current Casework .”These papers were intended be presented at 2020 meeting American Association PhysicalAnthropologists(nowtheAmericanAssociation Biological Anthropologists). However, whentheCOVID-19pandemicnecessitatedcanceling conference, we offered opportunity researchers expand their presentations . We are grateful that, despite events changed many our personal professional lives over last few years, participants transformed contributions into rich body research here. This two-part issue focuses on expanded potential anthropological as discipline continues develop multidisciplinary approaches understanding incorporating new sources information andnewmethodologies,andleveragingpreexisting ways. showcased here uses diverse data forward-thinking applications—historical, demographic, dental, skeletal, genomic—to tackle complexities identity casework. These studies engage critically with parameters biological profile different perspectives but shared concern practical applications within field. Operating context theme, all highlight need renewed dialogue Kenyhercz, Konigsberg et al., Spake al. problematize straightforward adoption prevailing methodologies through advanced theory. They demonstrate risks methodological misuse misidentificationthatresultfromuncriticalacceptance standard practice. Kenyhercz challenges ancestry estimation methodology used by anthropologists decades providing anexploratorymethodologyof unsupervisedlearning techniques, an approach does not require priori group selection or assumptions when comparing individual against groups. Indoingso,theauthorconteststhenormsof analysis , encouraging practitioners broaden what it means assess human variation level group. surfacing procedural fallacies, underscore sobering reality real consequences poor methodology. Asking us rethink role experts production acceptance evidence, authors analyzetheconsistencyindevelopmentof thefirstand secondmandibularmolarsforpredictingminimum age thresholds.They thus bounds juvenile assert use markers minimum criminal responsibility is reliable. explore tool kit formulas estimate mass modern remains. Their New Algee-Hewitt 000 ■ race anthropology. Through research, provide variety recommendations address discordances survey identified teaching modes, public engagementstrategies,fromthelanguageusedand how discussions structured modernization communication methodologies. Taylor deliver case while learning tools themselves, drive home bigger message casework should first informed fundamentals “doing” In light, they encourage readers reevaluate reconcile discordant lines evidence embrace often-muddied waters culture can bring unexpected clarity biology. addresses possible inconsistences across biological, social, material evidencethatmustbeaddressedforidentifications move forward. Furthermore, show mobilizing social theory building help contextualize ground fluid identities time. article advocates holistic biosocial building, arguing necessary facilitating identifications just...