Ethical Obligations of Archaeologists and Physical Anthropologists, Essay Example

Anthropology is a different form of science in the sense that its scientists will almost always be involved with other cultures and groups and almost always work on teams outside of their normal environment. Most of these scientists will be involved in teams of different cultures and backgrounds, all with a common interest. Because of this, anthropologists must adhere to a strict code of ethics and be willing and flexible to understand the cultures of the other countries in which they perform their research.

It is important for anthropologists to inform officials and the local government about their purpose in the region, their funding, and what they expect to find. They also should make sure the locals are aware of where and when they will be doing research. This will avoid potential issues such as uncovering bodies or bones from sacred graves or trespassing on land where they have not been granted permission. If anthropologists and their teams do not make their presence and purpose aware to the proper officials, there could be cause for miscommunication due to moral, cultural, and ownership factors. It is imperative for permission to be granted before any anthropological work begins.

Many anthropologists work for non-government entities and other such type organizations. These organizations utilize grant funding for their research. This grant funding is crucial to the research because many times there is no other funding available. Therefore, all permissions should be sought and all ethical standards should be met before research begins. All cultural and ethnic traditions should be honored and this will go a long way in the reputation of the anthropological teams later on.