Bronislaw Malinowski [1884-1942] - the anthropologist who researched and documented the art of indigenous lives

Abstract

The research issue that prompted this article was the lack of enthusiasm by the Sri Lankan university undergraduate and postgraduate students for anthropological research. Even if there are many opportunities for anthropological analysis concerning Sri Lankan society, the present generation prefers to engage mostly in quantitative research. Based on that point, the objective of this article was to introduce one of the leading anthropologists of the world and his remarkable stature to the contemporary reading public. During this article, the reader will be able to understand the exemplary characteristics of a role model in theory and practice. The use of contexts for research, the methods implemented, the theories developed, and the skills the emerging anthropologists should have can be identified when Malinowski’s life and works are analyzed. It has been noted that anthropological and indigenous studies are dying in Sri Lanka. Even the limited number of qualitative research conducted wanting the sophistication of critical thinking, and the knowledge of theory and methods. It can be assumed that the present generation presumes that the primitive elements in societies are unimportant against globalization. So the reading of this article would initiate enthusiasm among early career researchers and undergraduates to set and follow the latest standards in social and cultural anthropology. Introducing one of the greatest anthropologists who researched and documented indigenous societies would be a timely move for at least those who are interested in this discipline.