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.

One Billion Rising Revolution, Thailand
One Billion Rising, a campaign to end violence against women, New Delhi, 2015. Amanda Gilbertson

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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Explore our research

Research projects undertaken by our academic staff are diverse and multi-disciplinary.

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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

Graduate coursework

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.

Anthropology and Development Studies honorary staff