Perceptions of Race and Ancestry in Teaching, Research, and Public Engagement in Biological Anthropology

The concept of race has a complex history in the field biological anthropology. Despite increased recognition racist origins discipline, there remains little agreement about what means, how it is used, or discussed. This study presents results survey anthropologists to investigate relationship with and ancestry. focuses on areas research, public engagement, teaching as related these concepts. Results indicate that large majority agree (as social not concept) separate from respondents agreed ancestry categories should be based geography (e.g., Asian, European, African), more thought terms “Hispanic” “Latino” were inappropriate categories. While most felt discussions matters “political correctness,” nearly quarter suggested concerns over moral ethical implications research photos, terminology, ancestry) result silencing anthropological research. Overwhelmingly, have responsibility ensure avoidance misappropriation their work by science white nationalists/supremacists. Some differences responses found relating respondents’ subdiscipline, educational level, location, age, self-identified racial/ethnic categories, gender. In regard teaching, concepts are minimally covered university classrooms. When taught, topics focus colonialist/racist anthropology, presence privilege/supremacy, racism. Based this survey, authors argue for greater engagement concepts, standardized system ancestry, disciplinary conversation practice terminology. way, can best place themselves combat racism socially responsible way.