Episode 17: Why are Anthropologists Needed in DEI?
About the episode…
Join us in listening to this podcast episode recorded live at the American Anthropological Association 2025 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
Lucy, Missy, and Alex discuss why it is important for anthropologists to blend theory and practice in their engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion. They tell us why we cannot only critique DEI, especially at a moment when it is under attack. Rather, they explain why anthropologists are best equipped to intervene meaningfully to create better and more impactful DEI.
Links to Mentions & References:
-Arciniega, Lucy C., and Melissa Maceyko. “How Do Anthropologists Continue to Work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Today’s Fraught Political Environment?” The Anthropology Career Readiness Network. February 12, 2024. Accessed November 25, 2025. https://anthrocareerready.net/how-do-anthropologists-continue-to-work-in-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei-in-todays-fraught-political-environment/
-Carrillo Arciniega, Luzilda. “Selling Diversity to White Men: How Disentangling Economics from Morality Is a Racial and Gendered Performance.” Organization 28, no. 2 (2021): 228–46.
-Gibson-Graham, Julie-Katharine, Jenny Cameron, and Stephen Healy. Take Back the Economy: An Ethical Guide for Transforming Our Communities. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2013.
-Lorbiecki, Anna, and Gavin Jack. “Critical Turns in the Evolution of Diversity Management.” British Journal of Management 11 (2000): S17–S31.
