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Lisa Gezon

Professor and Chair
Department of Anthropology
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(205) 934-0216

The Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights

Anthropology graduate student studying rocks and other artifacts.Anthropology is the science committed to the comparative and historical study of humankind. Anthropology literally means the study of humanity and considers human biological and cultural variation. In recent years the department at UAB has developed a topical focus on peace, justice, human rights, and ecology. This has resulted in a master’s degree program in the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights.

Anthropology offers an important set of perspectives that address knowledge about and appreciation of cultural diversity, cultural relativism, multiculturalism, cross-cultural interaction, variation in norms, values, beliefs, conflict resolution styles, and respect for cultural differences and human rights. This unique set of perspectives is at the basis of the program’s focus on peace and human rights and makes it relevant to the goals of diversity and the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization.

The Master of Arts (MA) program applies an anthropological focus on peace as behavioral process at multiple levels including at the level of individuals, families, groups, communities, cultures and nations. Students will critically analyze how factors such as ecological sustainability, human security, democracy, justice, non-violence, conflict resolution, and human rights are interconnected constructs related to the unifying construct of peace.

The MA in Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights aims to prepare students for doctoral studies and professional careers in peace and human rights. Graduates of the program and similar programs have found positions in human and social services, community mediation organizations, multicultural education, at legal centers, as U.S. Congressional staffers, at NGOs and human rights organizations, and at the United Nations.

The MA program also complements the educational and outreach activities of the UAB Institute for Human Rights (IHR)Opens an external link.

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Contact Us

Lisa Gezon

Professor and Chair
Department of Anthropology
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(205) 934-0216