Small is Vulnerable: Anthropology at Christian Colleges and Universities

Abstract

Anthropology and other small disciplines enjoyed a period of growth in the late twentieth century and now face reduction and reconfiguration in a ferociously competitive economic and enrollment context. This article describes anthropology’s presence in courses, programs, and faculty positions at Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) member institutions, and discusses the vulnerabilities of small majors from a reflexive vantage point. Methodology includes materials-based methods, semi-structured interviews, and informal social networking. Analysis yields four themes: about one-third of CCCU institutions have no anthropology, over half have a little anthropology, about ten percent have substantial anthropology, and numbers of anthropology faculty are declining. Current demographic trends and financial austerity present those concerned with small disciplines with occasion for lament, vocational reflection, and adjustment to economic and institutional needs.