What was the role of anthropological information during colonial times?

During colonial times, anthropological information played a critical role in assisting governing colonizers in controlling native populations. This involvement occurred as colonizers sought to understand the social structures, customs, and beliefs of the local populations they were attempting to dominate. By gathering data on the ways of life, communal relationships, and belief systems of different cultures, colonizers could develop strategies to effectively manage and exert influence over these communities.

Anthropological insights allowed colonizers to categorize and often stereotype the indigenous peoples, making it easier to justify their authority and interventions. Techniques of governance could be tailored to the specific characteristics of a population, such as employing local leaders as intermediaries or exploiting existing conflicts and divisions within communities. In this context, anthropology became a tool of colonial power rather than a means of promoting understanding or respect for local cultures.