While the magazine has closed, its living archive endures—open to all and preserving the many ideas, voices, and discoveries that deepen our understanding of what it means to be human.
An ethnographic study of U.S. high schoolers highlights their ambivalence toward communication technologies.
What Problems Does Organic Cotton Solve?Organic cotton agriculture in India fails, resoundingly, to produce as much cotton as conventional methods. But what if that’s not the point?
Finding Calm—and Connection—in Coffee RitualsDuring the pandemic, an anthropologist finds new meaning in the everyday ritual of preparing and drinking coffee.
Tackling Care and Capitalism in College FootballThis year’s college football season—which has continued in the U.S. despite serious risks to players—has put deep social inequalities in stark relief.
An Archaeology of MarijuanaHow did cannabis—a plant humans have been using for more than 10,000 years—become so vilified in the U.S.?
What Many Don’t Know About WelfarePublic assistance recipients’ stories hold the key to clearing up misconceptions about who needs aid and why.
When Deafness Is Not Considered a DeficitIn the Peruvian Amazon, the Maijuna peoples created their own sign language—which hints at the importance of community in the evolution of language.
Could the Coronavirus Pandemic Be Good for the Environment?Archaeological research into environmental impacts of the Black Death in Eurasia and historic pandemics among Native Americans during European colonization may provide answers to possible impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
Is the Pandemic a Chance to Challenge Global Inequality?A Pakistani anthropologist who studies the perilous journeys of irregular migrants argues for reimagining ways to close the gap between the rich and poor, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Kings Created Angkor Wat—Then Lost ItNew archaeological research reveals that leaders centralized agriculture in the famous city shortly before its decline.
