UC Research Reveals Connections Between Social Science, High Fashion
While theyre often linked with studying remote civilizations, the role of the contemporary anthropologist is changing.
Stephanie Sadre-Orafai, a University of Cincinnati assistant professor of anthropology, will apply one example as she examines how anthropology is linked with the high fashion industry in New York.
The presentation is part of a panel at the
114th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association. Billed as the worlds largest gathering of anthropologists, the meeting takes place Nov. 18-22, in Denver, Colorado.
Sadre-Orafai explains that casting agents often have some form of anthropological training. Although many of these casting agents apply this expertise toward scouting diverse talent for commercials, magazine layouts and other media in the New York fashion industry, Sadre-Orafai says they can be limited by conservative views in the industry. As a result, some turn to creative outlets on the side, creating documentaries and blogs.
The role of the anthropologist is evolving and the kind of people we work with is evolving, too, says Sadre-Orafai. As anthropologists studying professionals, if were only focusing on what people do on the job, we may be unwittingly narrowing our focus. We need to grant multiplicity to our research subjects when were measuring the work they do.
Sadre-Orafais presentation features several vignettes based on years of fieldwork and face-to-face interviews with casting professionals in the New York fashion industry. The presentation is part of a session titled,
Para-Ethnographies of Branding and Design.
The theme of the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association is Familiar, Strange. Sadre-Orafais paper reveals that Just as ethnographers use techniques of intimacy and estrangement in their fieldwork, balancing insider and outsider perspectives to make the strange familiar (translating others experiences so that they are intelligible beyond a local context), and the familiar strange (gaining enough critical distance to see underlying patterns and connections), so too, do street scouts and casting directors.
Funding for the research was supported by the
Wenner-Gren Foundation of Anthropological Research
, UCs University Research Council and the
Charles Phelps Taft Research Center
at the University of Cincinnati.
UCs
in the
McMicken College of Arts and Sciences
focuses research around bio-evolutionary approaches to health, ecosystem dynamics and forms of social inequality. Researchers conduct field research around the world ranging from the forests of Nicaragua to Fashion Week in New York.
Founded in 1902, the American Anthropological Association calls itself the worlds largest professional organization of anthropologists, with an average annual membership of more than 10,000. The Arlington, Va.-based association represents all specialties within anthropology cultural anthropology, biological (or physical) anthropology, archaeology, linguistics and applied anthropology.
Related Stories
UC offers experiential learning abroad in Central America
April 19, 2024
In the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, fourth year journalism and international affairs student Stephanie Rivera embarked on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of Cincinnati, Rivera set out to study abroad for a transformative semester in this Central American country, rich with vibrant biodiversity and cultural heritage. The College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) at UC places great emphasis on encouraging study abroad and experiential learning opportunities for its students. Recognizing the transformative power of global experiences, the college supports a variety of study-abroad programs that enable students to enhance their academic pursuits while gaining valuable cultural and personal experiences.
WVXU: Test your word puzzle skills with a Cincinnati...
April 18, 2024
Cincinnati edition host Lucy May discusses the history and new found popularity of word games with Michael Griffith, professor English. Griffith is a writer, but also develops word games for publication.
Jason and Travis Kelce take Cincinnati to ‘New Heights’
April 16, 2024
UC alumni Jason and Travis Kelce returned to UC for an unforgettable evening that included the Great "Lombaby" Games, a live recording of their podcast "New Heights," special guests Joe Burrow, Orlando Brown Jr. and Desmond Ridder and a surprise commencement ceremony.