# Institute for Development Anthropology

> an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational institution founded in 1976 by Michael Horowitz, Thayer Scudder, and David Brokensha.

**Wikidata**: [Q128788674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128788674)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-for-development-anthropology

## Summary
The Institute for Development Anthropology (IDA) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational institution established in 1976 by anthropologists Michael Horowitz, Thayer Scudder, and David Brokensha. It focuses on studying the social and cultural dimensions of development processes, aiming to inform policy and practice through interdisciplinary research.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1976 by Michael Horowitz, Thayer Scudder, and David Brokensha.
- Headquartered in Binghamton, United States.
- Operates as a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute and academic publisher.
- VIAF ID: 124301873; Library of Congress Authority ID: n78006016.
- Works are archived in the State University of New York at Binghamton Libraries.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Institute for Development Anthropology founded?
A: The Institute for Development Anthropology was founded in 1976 by Michael Horowitz, Thayer Scudder, and David Brokensha.

### Q: What is the primary focus of the Institute for Development Anthropology?
A: The institute conducts research and education on the social and cultural impacts of development projects, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to policy and practice.

### Q: Where is the Institute for Development Anthropology based?
A: The institute is headquartered in Binghamton, New York, United States.

## Why It Matters
The Institute for Development Anthropology plays a critical role in bridging anthropological research with practical development initiatives. By examining how large-scale projects (e.g., infrastructure, agricultural, or environmental programs) affect local communities, IDA contributes to more equitable and sustainable development practices. Its founders—prominent scholars in anthropology—established the institute to address gaps in understanding the human costs of modernization. IDA’s work influences policy debates, educates stakeholders, and highlights the importance of cultural context in development planning, making it a key resource for organizations seeking to balance progress with social responsibility.

## Notable For
- Founded by leading anthropologists with expertise in development studies.
- Combines research, education, and policy engagement to address socio-cultural impacts of development.
- Affiliated with the State University of New York at Binghamton, enhancing academic collaboration and knowledge dissemination.
- Maintains a nonpartisan stance, ensuring objective analysis of complex development challenges.

## Body
### Founding and Mission
The Institute for Development Anthropology was established in 1976 by Michael Horowitz, Thayer Scudder, and David Brokensha. These anthropologists sought to apply ethnographic insights to development projects, which were often criticized for neglecting local cultural contexts. IDA’s mission emphasizes interdisciplinary research, education, and advocacy to improve the outcomes of development initiatives worldwide.

### Structure and Operations
- **Headquarters**: Based in Binghamton, New York, the institute operates as a nonprofit organization.
- **Governance**: Nonpartisan and independent, avoiding political or commercial affiliations to maintain research integrity.
- **Affiliations**: Collaborates with academic institutions, including the State University of New York at Binghamton, where its works are preserved in university libraries.

### Academic Contributions
IDA publishes research on topics such as resettlement, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Its studies are cataloged in major academic repositories, with identifiers such as VIAF ID 124301873 and Library of Congress Authority ID n78006016. The institute’s focus on long-term socio-cultural impacts has influenced methodologies in development studies, promoting holistic assessments of project viability.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File