Anthropology and Development Studies
Our programs investigate the diverse ways that people today interact, organise and find meaning in their lives. We analyse the processes of social, economic, political and cultural change that underlie poverty, inequality and insecurity in the contemporary world.
Anthropology and Development Studies at Melbourne
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of the many societies and cultures of the world and their complex interaction. Anthropology’s global scope is complemented by a local focus and this unique perspective is made possible by participating in the daily life and language of the communities we study. Contemporary social anthropology asks broad and detailed questions about what it means to be human in a globalising world, as well as providing a critical vantage point from which to reflect on ourselves and others.
Development Studies
Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field of research and teaching that addresses processes of social, economic, political, ecological, and cultural change. It critically examines the actors, institutions, practices, and ideologies that are involved in those processes of change and is oriented towards both improving and critiquing the tools, practices and policies of development. Through our research and teaching, we engage with and advance ongoing global debates on poverty, inequality and insecurity in the contemporary world.
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Family members video a shadow performance at a school in Lucknow, India. Amanda Gilbertson.
Family members video a shadow performance at a school in Lucknow, India. Amanda Gilbertson. -
A construction worker repairing a Macedonian-flag coloured scaffolding net without protection harness. Fabio Mattioli.
A construction worker repairing a Macedonian-flag coloured scaffolding net without protection harness. Fabio Mattioli. -
Researching Transnationalism Online. Andrew Dawson.
Researching Transnationalism Online. Andrew Dawson. -
Local cultural research at the Kulu Language Institute, Solomon Islands. Debra McDougall
Local cultural research at the Kulu Language Institute, Solomon Islands. Debra McDougall -
Activities in a coal mining site along the foothills of Nagaland, Northeast India. Dolly Kikon
Activities in a coal mining site along the foothills of Nagaland, Northeast India. Dolly Kikon
Explore our research
Research projects undertaken by our academic staff are diverse and multi-disciplinary.
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Risk, responsibility and experience: Exploring complex relations with alcohol
This project explores how risk and responsibility towards alcohol are understood and enacted.
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New Regional Labour Circuits in the South Pacific: Gender, Culture and Transnationalism
This project investigates the transforming contemporary Pacific.
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Women’s collective action and the village law in Indonesia
How women are driving change and shaping pathways for gender-inclusive development in rural Indonesia.
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Class troubles: Tackling social inequality in Indian schools
This project aims to investigate whether affirmative action education policies can assist in breaking down social inequality.
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Stateless children of migrants in Lebanon
This project examines statelessness experienced by the children of undocumented migrant domestic workers in Lebanon.
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Fermenting cultures
This project focuses on fermenting cultures in Northeast India where fermentation and eating fermented food are central to many indigenous communities across the Eastern Himalayan region.
Study with us
Our Anthropology and Development Studies courses teach the diverse ways that people today interact, organise and find meaning in their lives. You’ll explore the processes of social, economic, political and cultural change that underlie poverty, inequality and insecurity in the contemporary world.
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts Anthropology Major
- Bachelor of Arts Development Studies Minor
- Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)
Graduate coursework
- Master of Development Studies
- Master of Develoment Studies (Specialisation in Gender and Development)
- Master of Leadership for Development
Graduate research
Meet our Anthropology and Development Studies staff
Our Anthropology and Development Studies staff are leading researchers and teachers in a range of areas including power, inequality, poverty, governance, identity, health, education, globalisation, conflict and security, migration and displacement, urbanisation, technology, environmental issues, leadership, and the relationship between citizens and the state.
