The department you don't have to build.
Bring it in when you need it.
Research support for brands, agencies & teams who need the function, not the headcount.
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capabilities
What it is
The Anthropology Department is an independent cultural anthropology practice to plug into your company where and when you need it. It provides research support for brands, agencies, and teams who need the function, not the headcount, using the methods and principles of anthropology and the social sciences to support consumer insights, strategy, and thought leadership.
Capabilities
05- 01
Research support
Qualitative research design, fielding, analysis, and reporting — start to finish — at any scale.
- 02
Panels
Building and ongoing management of consumer research panels.
- 03
Affluent panel
An existing panel of global affluent consumers, ready to tap into for your research.
- 04
Analysis
Cultural and semiotic analysis that shows what behavior means, not just what it is.
- 05
Thought leadership
Research-backed writing, advising, and strategic positioning.
Who's behind it
Tahni Candelaria, Director
A cultural anthropologist with nine years in the field, including seven directing affluent-consumer research at Team One, Publicis Groupe. She specializes in high-net-worth and luxury audiences, with experience across North American and European markets.
HNW & luxury specialist · North America & Europe
Ways to work together
Project
A defined question, scoped and delivered start to finish.
Retainer
Ongoing research support on a regular rhythm.
Fractional
An embedded anthropology function, part-time, for as long as you need it.
Research partners
When a project calls for it, The Anthropology Department brings in trusted research partners, whether for fieldwork in specific markets or for quantitative studies.
Writing
Anthropology for Business
Tahni's Substack on what anthropology looks like inside real business work: what a business anthropologist actually does, how cultural research supports businesses at every stage, and examples from the field.
For brand, marketing, and strategy leaders curious about what anthropology can do for them.
Contact
Tell me what you're working on.
tahni@theanthrodept.comProject · Retainer · Fractional engagements