This document discusses several issues around the role and ethics of anthropologists including whether they should intervene to help societies change practices that violate human rights, how to balance cultural relativism with human rights, and how to properly document and understand religion within a culture. It questions if anthropologists should try to change cultural traditions or religious beliefs and how to approach issues at the intersection of culture, rights, and religion in an ethical manner.

1. Running
Interference
ANT 2140
Rachel Wayne

3. Anthropological Activism
 Is it ethical for anthropologists to intervene in a
questionable sociocultural situation?
 Is it a greater priority for anthropologists to defend
cultural tradition, or to help societies change so that
they are in accordance with human rights law?

4. Religion and Rights
 Is it ethical to safeguard religious or moral principles
based on cultural relativism?
 Can we “save” people from religion?

5. The Ethnography of Religion
 How to document religion:
 law
 morals
 people’s beliefs
 Can religion be salvaged, like culture?