Combining sociocultural anthropology with biological anthropology

[tuliula]

Hi all!

I was wondering if there are any people here who's anthropology PhD research combines elements both from sociocultural anthro and biological anthro? If so, on which of the tracks are you? Do you have advisors on your committee from both tracks? How did you initially present your ideas in the applications process?

I'm asking because my proposed PhD project is rooted within sociocultural anthropology (which is also my background), but it does derive (at least potentially) from biological anthro, and I'm wondering how should I present it to potential advisors, especially in departments of bio anthro.

I'll be happy to hear any advice/experience! Thanks!

[RepatMan]

I would suggest speaking to Dr. Morgan Hoke at Penn about her work. She's primarily a biological anthropologist but Penn hired her specifically because the brings the two subfields together. She'll likely have a good idea as to who else to talk to if your interests don't line up with hers.

[Bschaefer]

On 11/7/2020 at 3:27 AM, tuliula said:

Hi all!

I was wondering if there are any people here who's anthropology PhD research combines elements both from sociocultural anthro and biological anthro? If so, on which of the tracks are you? Do you have advisors on your committee from both tracks? How did you initially present your ideas in the applications process?

I'm asking because my proposed PhD project is rooted within sociocultural anthropology (which is also my background), but it does derive (at least potentially) from biological anthro, and I'm wondering how should I present it to potential advisors, especially in departments of bio anthro.

I'll be happy to hear any advice/experience! Thanks!

Hey! Happy to share - primarily I am an anthropological Bioarchaeologist that uses critical social theory into my bioarch research. Right now, my programs are anthropology (biological track) and gender and women’s studies and have 2 bioanths, 1 cultural anth, and 3 archaeologists on my committee. Each program is different with committee member reqs (which is why I have so many). 
 

it’s definitely possible - that is how I wrote my SOPs by demonstrating how these areas are integral to a transdisciplinary project. I would suggest reaching out to potential advisors (both cultural and Bio) and see how they respond. I think most are welcoming of these types of projects but it’s always good to make sure they are on board before applying. 

[tuliula]

Thanks!

[neurotransmitori]

Just in case anyone else needs this thread later...

This year I applied and was accepted to the University of Alabama's Anthro MA program in Biocultural Medical Anthropology (though they do have PhD/direct to doctorate as well). While the curriculum is 4 fields, it is clear that across faculty there are great collaborations that blend methods across disciplines in the biocultural arena in many ways and in very substantive ways. Both people more on the bio side and more on the cultural ling side. Seems like Archies are pretty blended too! Worth checking out. 

I was recommended to check there from my undergrad thesis advisor Dr. Rebecca Seligman at Northwestern University, which may also be a great place to check for blended approaches across sociocultural and biological. However for the most part (at least when I was there through 2015) it seemed like individual professors usually stuck with one or another while they may engage with theory across both. Check out the biological people especially --> McDade, Kuzawa, etc.