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 practicing anthropologists and graduate students 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 policy debates and development.

What's new with ASAP

“Off the Record and In the Loop”: Excavating Power in the Washington Foreign Policy Establishment

"Off the Record and In the Loop": Excavating Power in the Washington Foreign Policy Establishment Negar Razavi, 2016...

The Neighborhood School Stigma: School Choice, Stratification, and Shame

The Neighborhood School Stigma: Choice, Stratification, and Shame Julia McWilliams, 2017 (shared) Abstract: Social...

“We Are Not Going to Vote Again!” Violence and the Politics of Devolution in Northern Kenya

"We Are Not Going to Vote Again!" Violence and the Politics of Devolution in Northern Kenya Sean Furmage, 2017...

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.