A section of the the American Anthropological Association

Welcome to the Association for the Anthropology of Policy (ASAP)

Supporting the study of policy as social, political, and cultural phenomena.

In-Depth Research

Discover comprehensive studies and reports that shed light on policy implications.

Community Engagement

Join a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to policy anthropology.

Educational Resources

Access a wealth of resources designed to support your academic and professional journey.

Understanding the anthropology of policy

The anthropology of policy examines the processes and effects of policy-making through an anthropological lens. It is significant for policy scholars, practicing anthropologists, graduate students and experts as it provides critical insights into how policies are formulated, implemented, and experienced by different communities. This field bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling anthropologists to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of policy, policy debates and their developments.

What's new with ASAP

AAA Tampa Conference: ASAP-Sponsored Panels

AAA Annual Conference in Tampa – ASAP Sessions   22 November 10.15-11.45 Marriott WSRoom 6 Oral Presentation...

Get Involved with ASAP

Become a member

Become an active member and consider joining one of our committees. Collaborate with peers and contribute to the advancement of our section.

Browse our resources

Take advantage of our curated educational resources including syllabi, bibliographies, scholarly books and articles, and more.

Request mentorship (grad students)

We provide no-cost mentorship to graduate students in anthropology on career development, research, publishing, and more. Contact us to request a mentor.

Have questions? Get in touch.