Applied Anthropology in Latin America: Towards a Hemispheric Dialogue

While the practice of applied anthropology reflects the interests and contradictions of nations regarding the use of knowledge in the realms of academia, politics, and society, the interpenetration of knowledge is also influenced by power disparities between countries. This special issue employs a historical and hemispheric perspective to understand Latin American applied anthropology by: (1) sharing recent work by exponents of applied anthropology in English, (2) identifying themes that foster dialogue with counterparts in the global north, and (3) suggesting ways of using knowledge that might link northern and southern anthropology in the Americas. Illustrated with applied work in six Latin American countries, this issue reflects my long-standing commitment to fostering greater dialogue within the field of applied anthropology in the Americas.