Re: Mob Scenes (short)

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What pessimism on the subject of employment in anthroplogy! I don't wish to
debate on whether there should be fewer or greater number of
anthropologists, or if everyone over 40 should be put up against the wall.
I do want to make the point that it is possible to work in the field, as my
own recent experience demonstrates.

As you will note from my address, I'm sending from Australia, where I live
and work. I started out however in the US of A, graduating with an
undergraduate degree in anthropology (among other things) from a little
known public midwestern university. I now work and study at a little known
northern Australian University. While not employed in the Department of
Anthropology here exactly, I do teach in the department upon occasion and
receive postgraduate supervision there.

It is a tale of "what are you willing to do to work in the area of
anthropology"? My interests are specifically in medical anthropology and
medical sociology. To be able to realise these goals I had to relocate and
take a chance. I came over to Australia on a temporary visa and to a
temporary position as a research assistant. Through hard work (and luck)
I've managed to become permanent in my residence and in employment. It has
not been easy, but it has been possible. It is an academic position with
possibilities for advancement, and I am able to teach and research in the
area of my interest. I do encourage students here to pursue their own
interests in anthropology, for while there are not a lot of jobs, there are
possibilities for those willing to be flexible in what they do and where
they do it.
Paul A. Reser
Department of Psychology and Sociology
James Cook University
Townsville, QLD 4811

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