American Anthropological Association

American Anthropological Association
Name	American Anthropological Association
Founded	0 1902
Headquarters	Arlington, Virginia
Membership	~8,000
Key people	Franz Boas (founding president)
Website	https://www.americananthro.org/

American Anthropological Association. Founded in 1902, it is the world's largest professional organization of scholars and practitioners in the field of anthropology. The association is dedicated to advancing human understanding and addressing human problems through anthropological research and its application. It encompasses all major subfields, including archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.

History

The association was established in 1902 under the leadership of its first president, Franz Boas, a pivotal figure who championed historical particularism and helped shape the discipline's modern contours. Early meetings were often held in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, reflecting its roots in the scientific community. Throughout the 20th century, it grew significantly, navigating major intellectual shifts such as the rise of functionalism associated with Bronisław Malinowski and debates surrounding Julian Steward's theory of cultural ecology. Key moments in its history include the publication of the AAA Guide and its involvement in public debates during events like the Vietnam War and the Mead–Freeman controversy.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by an elected Executive Board and led by a president who serves a one-year term, with past presidents including notable figures like Margaret Mead and Marshall Sahlins. Its organizational structure includes numerous sections and interest groups representing specialized areas such as the Society for Linguistic Anthropology and the Archaeology Division. Day-to-day operations are managed by a dedicated executive director and staff from its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The association also maintains close ties with affiliated organizations like the Society for American Archaeology and the National Association of Student Anthropologists.

Publications

The American Anthropological Association publishes a wide array of influential scholarly journals and books. Its flagship journal, *American Anthropologist*, has been a cornerstone of the discipline since 1888, publishing seminal works by scholars like Claude Lévi-Strauss. Other major journals include *American Ethnologist*, *Cultural Anthropology*, and *Medical Anthropology Quarterly*. Through its publishing partner, Wiley-Blackwell, it also produces the *Anthropology News* magazine and numerous book series. These publications are central to disseminating research on topics ranging from kinship studies to political anthropology across the global academic community.

Annual meeting

The association's annual meeting is one of the largest gatherings of anthropologists in the world, typically attracting thousands of attendees. It rotates among major cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Jose, featuring hundreds of panels, workshops, and plenary sessions. The meeting serves as a key forum for presenting new research, debating contemporary issues, and networking, with past keynote speakers including David Graeber and Arjun Appadurai. Special events often honor recipients of awards like the Franz Boas Award and the Margaret Mead Award.

Ethics and controversies

The association has a long and complex engagement with professional ethics, most formally codified in its Principles of Professional Responsibility. It faced significant controversy and internal debate over its involvement with the United States Department of Defense's Human Terrain System program in the 2000s, leading to a major re-evaluation of its ethical stance. Earlier, it grappled with ethical dilemmas during the Thailand controversy of the 1970s and criticisms surrounding its stance on the Peking Man fossils. These episodes have continually shaped its guidelines on research involving indigenous peoples and communities in conflict zones.

Notable members and awards

Throughout its history, the association has counted most leading anthropologists among its members, from foundational thinkers like Alfred Kroeber and Ruth Benedict to contemporary scholars such as Nancy Scheper-Hughes and Philippe Bourgois. It bestows several prestigious awards, including the aforementioned Franz Boas Award for exemplary service and the Alfred Vincent Kidder Award for eminence in American archaeology. Other honors include the Ruth Benedict Prize for outstanding scholarship in LGBT anthropology and the George and Muriel Beadle Award, recognizing contributions to public understanding of anthropology.

Category:Anthropology organizations Category:Learned societies of the United States