ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the professionalisation of anthropology through the evolving role of cultural expertise, examining how certification and institutional recognition impact the discipline across different regions. It traces the development of anthropology in areas including the United Kingdom, North America, Latin America, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia, analysing how professional standards and certification are emerging as essential for legitimising anthropologists as expert witnesses in legal and social contexts. Certification not only enhances professional credibility but also addresses ethical responsibilities, especially when anthropologists work with marginalised or Indigenous communities. The chapter discusses the tension within the discipline regarding the need for formal credentials. Furthermore, it addresses the global imbalance in knowledge production, where the influence of the Global North often overshadows contributions from other regions, and advocates for a more inclusive approach to professionalisation that values diverse perspectives. The chapter concludes by emphasising the need for anthropologists to maintain ethical integrity and accountability, especially as they increasingly navigate the intersection of cultural expertise and institutionalised practice in both legal and academic settings worldwide.
