# Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology

> Research Center

**Wikidata**: [Q15427315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15427315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Centre_of_Research_in_Social_and_Cultural_Anthropology)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-of-research-in-social-and-cultural-anthropology

## Summary
The Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC) is a research institute located in Oran, Algeria. Established in 1992, it operates as a specialized organization dedicated to conducting research in the fields of social and cultural anthropology.

## Key Facts
-   **Official Name:** Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology (CRASC)
-   **Also Known As:** Centro de Investigacion en Antropologia Social y Cultural; National Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology
-   **Type:** Research Institute / Organization
-   **Location:** Oran, Algeria (Coordinates: 35.703633, -0.573995)
-   **Founded:** 1992
-   **Member Of:** Agence universitaire de la Francophonie
-   **Website:** https://www.crasc.dz (Available in French, Arabic, and English)
-   **Identifiers:**
    -   GRID ID: grid.463176.1
    -   ROR ID: 02y6wk324
    -   ISNI: 0000000109450102
    -   VIAF ID: 150190001
    -   GND ID: 6105857-9

## FAQs
### Q: What distinguishes CRASC from a university department?
As a research institute, CRASC is an organization whose primary purpose is to conduct research. Unlike universities, which balance teaching and research missions, CRASC exists specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation without the obligation of granting degrees or providing undergraduate education.

### Q: Where is the Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology located?
The center is headquartered in Oran, Algeria. Its geographic coordinates are latitude 35.703633 and longitude -0.573995.

### Q: What international networks is CRASC affiliated with?
The center is a member of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), a global network of higher education and research institutions using the French language.

## Why It Matters
As a dedicated research institute, CRASC serves as a specialized engine for discovery in Algeria, focused exclusively on social and cultural anthropology. By concentrating resources and talent purely on investigation rather than teaching, the organization accelerates breakthroughs in understanding human societies and cultures. It provides a space where researchers can pursue systematic inquiry into anthropological topics, functioning as critical infrastructure for advancing knowledge in the region. This organizational structure allows for a depth of focus that distinguishes it from broader educational institutions.

## Notable For
-   **Specialized Mission:** Dedicated exclusively to social and cultural anthropology research, distinct from scientific societies or think tanks.
-   **Global Connectivity:** Maintains membership in the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie and has Wikipedia entries in 11 languages (including Arabic, German, English, Spanish, Farsi, French, and Italian).
-   **Digital Presence:** Operates a multilingual web portal and maintains active social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
-   **Unique Identifiers:** Mapped across multiple library and knowledge systems, including the Library of Congress (ID: no96050359), the German National Library (GND: 6105857-9), and the Research Organization Registry (ROR: 02y6wk324).

## Body

### Organizational Classification
The Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology is formally classified as a research institute and an organization. In the landscape of knowledge-producing institutions, it functions as an operational entity conducting hands-on investigation rather than serving as a membership-based learned society.

As a research institute, it is differentiated from think tanks by its focus on fundamental inquiry—specifically into anthropology—rather than policy-oriented research designed to influence government decisions. It is further distinguished from research centers which often function as sub-units within larger universities; CRASC operates as a standalone institute with a sole purpose of generating new knowledge.

### Location and Headquarters
The institute is headquartered in the city of Oran, Algeria. Its precise geographic location is recorded at coordinates 35.703633 latitude and -0.573995 longitude. This physical location places the institute within North Africa, serving as a hub for anthropological research in the region.

### History and Establishment
The organization was established in 1992. Since its inception, it has operated with the mission of conducting systematic investigation into social and cultural subjects.

### Digital Presence and Resources
CRASC maintains a comprehensive digital footprint designed to disseminate its research findings.
-   **Websites:** The institute hosts a trilingual website accessible at `https://www.crasc.dz`, with specific portals for French, Arabic, and English speakers.
-   **Social Media:** The organization engages with the public and academic community via Twitter (`@crasc_dz`), Instagram (`crasc_dz`), and a Facebook page titled "Centre de Recherche en Anthropologie Sociale et Culturelle - CRASC."

### International Recognition and Identifiers
The institute is cataloged in numerous international databases and library systems, reflecting its global relevance.
-   **Academic Databases:** It is listed in the Global Research Identifier Database (GRID) as `grid.463176.1` and the Research Organization Registry (ROR) as `02y6wk324`.
-   **Library Authorities:** It holds authority records in the Library of Congress (`no96050359`), the Bibliothèque nationale de France (`13736948b`), the National Library of Israel (`987007289249505171`), and the German National Library (`6105857-9`).
-   **Wikimedia:** The entity has a significant presence on Wikipedia, with articles in 11 languages, and is indexed via ISNI (`0000000109450102`) and VIAF (`150190001`).

### Membership and Network
CRASC is an active member of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). This membership connects the institute to a global network of institutions engaged in French-language higher education and research, facilitating international collaboration and resource sharing.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20221123144401/https://www.auf.org/les_membres/nos-membres/)
4. ROR release v1.19
5. GRID Release 2016-05-31
6. GRID Release 2016-12-06
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File