Navigating Liminality in Evolving Forensic Anthropology Professionalism

Abstract

Emerging aspects of professionalism within forensic anthropology, while enhancing the scientific foundation and practice for the discipline, have created liminalistic spaces and experiences in education and training, employment, ethics, and identities that reflect the broader transitional status in the discipline as a whole. These liminal states and problems are discussed in terms of their creation, development, and potential for resolution. They are interpreted within a liminal framework which requires navigation through significant changes in roles, status, and identity in forensic anthropology practice. Recommendations for mitigating the identified deficiencies, ambiguities, and frustrations they produce include expansion of educational training, certification, employment options, and roles and responsibilities, as well as adherence to standards and recognition and promotion of self‐care. Successful navigation of these issues will lead to a stronger future for both the discipline and the practitioner.