Final answer:
Anthropologists who investigate the negative impact of development scrutinize not only the historical exploitation and contemporary consequences for local communities, but also how the discipline of anthropology itself might reinforce these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anthropologists who look at negative aspects of development are those who critically examine the implications and consequences of societal change, especially in relation to indigenous and marginalized groups. They challenge historical and ongoing forms of inequality, such as those stemming from colonization, ethnocentric biases, and globalization. These professionals study the complex dynamics that occur with development efforts, including how they can reproduce inequities and affect local communities in detrimental ways.
One key issue is how anthropological work itself has at times contributed to the marginalization of indigenous peoples by prioritizing Western academic perspectives over native voices. This critique led to a push for 'studying up' and 'studying in' practices within anthropology to reassess and improve the discipline. Additionally, anthropologists like Franz Boas have worked to debunk the ethnocentric view that cultures evolve linearly towards a European ideal of civilization.
These anthropologists also address the paradox wherein elements of development — such as conservation efforts or cultural object collection for Western institutions — can have a disempowering effect on the target communities. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced understanding of development that incorporates the voices and perspectives of those most directly affected.