Sol Tax, American anthropologist and academic (b. 1907)

Sol Tax (30 October 1907 – 4 January 1995) was a highly influential American anthropologist whose pioneering work significantly shaped the discipline, particularly through his innovative approach to research engagement and scholarly communication. His enduring legacy is deeply embedded in the development of "action anthropology," his extensive and collaborative studies with the Meskwaki (or Fox) Indians, specifically within the renowned Fox Project, and his instrumental role in establishing the globally recognized academic journal, Current Anthropology.

The Genesis of Action Anthropology: A Transformative Research Paradigm

Sol Tax is widely celebrated for conceptualizing and developing "action anthropology," a distinctive approach to ethnographic research that emerged in the mid-20th century. Unlike more traditional anthropological methods that primarily focused on observation, documentation, and analysis for academic purposes, action anthropology emphasizes active collaboration between researchers and the communities they study. Its core tenet is that anthropological research should not only produce scholarly knowledge but also directly address and contribute to the well-being and self-determination of the community involved. This methodology champions the idea that the community itself should define the problems and priorities for research, with anthropologists acting as facilitators and resources, sharing their expertise while refraining from dictating solutions. This collaborative and applied framework marked a significant shift towards more engaged and ethically conscious fieldwork.

Groundbreaking Fieldwork: The Seminal Fox Project

Perhaps the most prominent and illustrative example of Tax's action anthropology in practice was his long-term engagement with the Meskwaki (also known as the Fox) Indians of Iowa. Initiated in 1948 and continuing for decades, the "Fox Project" was an innovative "action-anthropological" research endeavor centered in Tama, Iowa, on the Meskwaki Settlement. This project represented a radical departure from conventional fieldwork, as it sought to empower the Meskwaki community by involving them directly in the research process and applying anthropological insights to real-world issues defined by the community. Tax and his students collaborated with the Meskwaki to understand their social structures, cultural practices, and contemporary challenges, ensuring that the research was not merely extractive but genuinely beneficial and responsive to their needs. The project aimed to foster self-sufficiency and cultural preservation through mutual learning and shared goals, becoming a seminal case study for community-engaged, applied anthropology.

Founding Current Anthropology: A Global Forum for Scholarly Dialogue

Another monumental contribution by Sol Tax was his founding of the prestigious academic journal, Current Anthropology, in 1960. This journal quickly established itself as a premier international forum for anthropological scholarship, distinguished by its unique "CA* treatment"—a format that encourages critical dialogue by publishing multiple peer commentaries alongside main articles. Tax envisioned Current Anthropology as a platform that would transcend national and disciplinary boundaries, fostering a truly global conversation among anthropologists. It covers all subfields of anthropology, including cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology, and remains a vital resource for scholars worldwide, reflecting Tax's unwavering commitment to broad intellectual exchange and collaborative critique within the discipline.

Academic Foundations and Influences at the University of Chicago

Sol Tax's academic journey began at the esteemed University of Chicago, where he earned his doctorate in 1935. The University of Chicago's Department of Anthropology was a significant center for anthropological thought during this period, renowned for its emphasis on empirical research and theoretical innovation. During his graduate studies, Tax, alongside his contemporary Fred Eggan, was a student of the renowned British social anthropologist Alfred Radcliffe-Brown. Radcliffe-Brown was a key figure in the development of structural functionalism, a theoretical perspective that viewed societies as integrated systems where each part contributes to the stability of the whole. While Tax ultimately diverged from a purely structural-functionalist approach to develop his more dynamic action anthropology, Radcliffe-Brown's rigorous methodologies and focus on systematic social structure undoubtedly provided a strong analytical foundation for Tax's later, more engaged research paradigms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sol Tax's Contributions

What is action anthropology?

Action anthropology, pioneered by Sol Tax, is a research methodology emphasizing direct collaboration between anthropologists and the communities they study. Its core aim is to not only generate academic knowledge but also to actively contribute to the community's self-determination and well-being, with the community guiding the research agenda.

What was the significance of the Fox Project?

The Fox Project was a long-term, "action-anthropological" research initiative led by Sol Tax, focusing on the Meskwaki (Fox) Indians of Iowa, starting in 1948. It was significant for its collaborative efforts to address community-defined issues, aiming to empower the Meskwaki through shared research and the application of anthropological insights, making it a landmark in engaged scholarship.

Why is Current Anthropology an important journal?

Current Anthropology, founded by Sol Tax in 1960, is significant as a leading international forum for anthropological scholarship. It is known for its unique "CA* treatment," which includes peer commentaries alongside articles, fostering a global dialogue and critical engagement across all subfields of anthropology.

Who were Sol Tax's key academic influences?

Sol Tax received his doctorate from the University of Chicago and was a student of Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, a prominent figure in structural functionalism. While Tax later developed action anthropology, Radcliffe-Brown's rigorous approach to social analysis provided a crucial foundation for his own research.