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1918: Three perspectives on race and human variation.
1Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, 48859, USA. caspa1r@cmich.edu
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|February 20, 2009
Summary
Early anthropologists held diverse views on race, including biological determinism. Key 1918 papers reveal foundational concepts still relevant to modern human variation studies.
Area of Science:
- Physical anthropology
- History of science
Background:
- In 1918, physical anthropology extensively debated the concept of race.
- Views on race were not uniform, encompassing biological determinism and evolutionary assumptions.
Observation:
- The first volume of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology (AJPA) featured diverse perspectives on race.
- Key contributions from Hrdlicka, Hooton, and Boas are examined.
- Alternative approaches to studying human variation were present early on.
Findings:
- The 1918 AJPA demonstrated a spectrum of racial concepts, from deterministic to more nuanced views.
- Foundational ideas shaping contemporary discussions on race were established by 1918.
- Despite advancements in genetics and evolutionary synthesis, early anthropological frameworks persist.
Implications:
- Understanding historical perspectives on race is crucial for contemporary biological anthropology.
- The study highlights the enduring influence of early 20th-century anthropological thought on race.
- This historical analysis provides context for ongoing scientific and societal dialogues about human variation.
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