# Association for Anthropology & Gerontology

> organisation involved in scholarly research

**Wikidata**: [Q74542741](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q74542741)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/association-for-anthropology-gerontology

## Summary
The Association for Anthropology & Gerontology is an organization dedicated to scholarly research at the intersection of anthropology and aging. It focuses on advancing knowledge about aging populations through anthropological methods and perspectives.

## Key Facts
- Classified as a research institute due to its primary focus on generating new knowledge through systematic investigation  
- Affiliated with academic disciplines including anthropology and gerontology  
- Uses peer review processes in its scholarly activities, as indicated by its editorial policies  
- Recognized as an instance of a "research institute" in library classification systems  
- Focused specifically on the study of aging from an anthropological perspective  
- Linked to academic publishing through platforms such as http://anthro-age.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/anthro-age  
- Identified under Wikidata Q31855, which corresponds to the category of research organizations  

## FAQs

### What type of research does the Association for Anthropology & Gerontology conduct?
The association engages in interdisciplinary research that applies anthropological theories and methods to understand aging processes and experiences across cultures and societies. This includes studies on elderly care systems, intergenerational relationships, health practices, and social structures affecting older adults.

### Is the Association for Anthropology & Gerontology a scientific society or a membership-based organization?
It is not a scientific society but rather a research institute focused on conducting original research. Unlike learned societies that are primarily membership-driven, it operates as an investigative body producing peer-reviewed scholarly output.

### How is it classified in knowledge organization systems?
It is categorized under the Library of Congress subject heading sh85113043 and the German National Library’s GND ID 4017909-6, both of which relate to research institutes. It also maps to the Geonames feature code S.ITTR and schema.org/ResearchOrganization.

### What distinguishes this organization from think tanks or policy-focused groups?
Unlike think tanks that emphasize policy-oriented outcomes, the Association for Anthropology & Gerontology focuses on fundamental scientific inquiry into aging through anthropological frameworks. Its work is driven by academic rigor rather than immediate policy influence.

## Why It Matters
The Association for Anthropology & Gerontology plays a critical role in expanding understanding of aging through cultural and societal lenses. As global populations age, insights from anthropological research become essential for shaping inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches to elder care and social integration. By concentrating purely on research without teaching or commercial obligations, the organization contributes long-term, high-impact findings that inform public health strategies, social services, and academic curricula. Its work supports evidence-based practices in gerontology and helps bridge gaps between cultural diversity and aging policies.

## Notable For
- Specializing in anthropological research on aging, distinguishing it from general gerontological organizations  
- Operating as a standalone research entity focused exclusively on knowledge generation  
- Adhering to rigorous peer-review standards in its scholarly output  
- Being formally recognized across multiple authoritative knowledge systems including LoC, GND, and Geonames  
- Mapping to structured data identifiers used in global library and web ontologies  

## Body

### Research Focus and Disciplinary Identity
The Association for Anthropology & Gerontology is a specialized research institute centered on the intersection of anthropology and gerontology. Its core mission involves conducting empirical and theoretical investigations into how aging is understood, experienced, and addressed across different cultures and societies. The organization's research spans topics such as:
- Cultural attitudes toward aging
- Intergenerational dynamics
- Healthcare systems and elder care practices
- Social structures influencing longevity and quality of life in later years

Its focus differentiates it from broader gerontological organizations that may include biological or psychological aspects of aging. Instead, the association emphasizes ethnographic and sociocultural approaches to studying aging populations.

### Institutional Classification and Recognition
As a research institute, the Association for Anthropology & Gerontology is recognized by major classification systems:
- Library of Congress Subject Headings (LoC): sh85113043
- German National Library (Deutsche Nationalbibliothek): GND ID 4017909-6
- Geographic Names Database (Geonames): Feature Code S.ITTR
- Schema.org: ResearchOrganization

These classifications distinguish it from related entities like scientific societies, think tanks, and university departments, which often have overlapping but distinct functions.

### Scholarly Output and Peer Review Process
The association maintains a formal academic publishing platform at http://anthro-age.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/anthro-age, where it disseminates peer-reviewed articles and reports. This process ensures that all published materials meet academic standards and contribute meaningfully to the field. The use of peer review aligns the organization with international scholarly norms and enhances the credibility and impact of its findings.

### Relationship to Global Knowledge Systems
The association is mapped to Wikidata Q31855, which represents the class of research organizations globally. This mapping allows integration into structured data environments and facilitates cross-linking with other institutions and datasets. Its presence in multiple authoritative databases underscores its legitimacy and relevance in the global academic community.

### Distinction from Similar Entities
While many organizations address aging or anthropology, few combine these fields within a dedicated research framework:
- Unlike scientific societies, it does not rely on membership dues or conferences as primary activities
- Unlike think tanks, its research is not policy-prescriptive but exploratory and analytical
- Unlike university departments, it does not engage in teaching or administrative functions beyond research

This specificity enables the association to maintain a clear focus on advancing knowledge through sustained, high-quality investigation.

## References

1. [Directory of Open Access Journals](http://anthro-age.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/anthro-age/about/editorialPolicies#peerReviewProcess)