Paper short abstract:

In 1944-46 Ronald and Catherine Berndt conducted a survey of Aboriginal labour for Vesteys. 'This case study poses questions about anthropology's roots in and relationship with colonialism, exploring how disciplinarity was shaped by this forge.

Paper long abstract:

In History and Anthropology anthropologist Paul Sillitoe (2015) raised a pertinent problem: 'The discipline's history reveals that a concern for demonstrating its applicability has troubled it since its inception.' Picking up on this I want to examine the work of Ronald Berndt and Catherine Berndt when employed by Vesteys, a British family company. Vesteys leased cattle stations across northern Australia. When the Berndts undertook this survey work they had recently completed a diploma in anthropology under Elkin at the University of Sydney. The Vestey survey was 'a very practical means of solving a problem of national importance' (RMB & CHB 1946, 4). They were confident they could meet the demands of Vesteys, Elkin and the Northern Territory administration. It was not so straightforward although Elkin's explanation made it seem so: 'It will give you both great opportunities for research, and also should help in a very practical way.' They would 'free…to do research work, but the aim is applied Anthropology, and Vestey's will look for practical advice and practical help in keeping up their native labour.' The aim, Elkin said, was 'to build up a contented Aboriginal community in the regions to which they are accustomed, and around the Pastoral Industry, which they like. A wealthy firm like Vestey's gives us our opportunity.' This case study poses questions about anthropology's roots in and relationship with colonialism, exploring how disciplinarity was shaped by this forge.