Pseudoanthropological
Pseudoanthropological refers to claims, theories, or practices that present themselves as studies of humans and human societies but do not meet the standards of scientific anthropology. The term is used to critique work that uses anthropological rhetoric while lacking empirical foundations, rigorous methods, or critical scrutiny. Pseudoanthropology often relies on broad generalizations, essentialist or racialized explanations, or selective data to support preconceived narratives.
Common features include untestable hypotheses, non-replicable results, and reliance on anecdote or tradition rather than systematic
Historically, pseudoanthropology overlaps with scientific racism, phrenology, and craniometry, while in contemporary discourse it can appear
Legitimate anthropology distinguishes itself through transparent methods, explicit data collection, cross-cultural comparison, reflexivity, and peer review.