HRAF Global Scholar: David Osorio Garcia
Title: Professor, Department of Anthropology and Sociology
University Affiliation: University of Caldas, Colombia
Research Topic: Status and treatment of the aged

David Osorio Garcia is an anthropologist who holds two graduate degrees: a Master of Social Sciences from University of Caldas in Colombia and a Master of Human and Social Sciences from Paris-Est Créteil University in France. He is currently a professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Caldas. David teaches research, comparative methodology, mixed methodology, information analysis, and software management for research. His research interests include social inequalities, aging, the elderly, politics, and education. The results of this research have influenced public policy in his region.

David is interested in explaining variation in the status and treatment of the aged. He seeks to find the independent variables that comparatively explain why there are kind, demeaning, relegated, or participatory treatment of the elderly in society. Specifically, he is interested in senior citizens and their intergenerational relationships with adults, adolescents, and children. David is working on the development of both materialist and constructivist theories to explain the ways in which intergenerational relationships are constructed and how this may determine the status and treatment of the aged.

David is using anthropological data and ethnographic research from eHRAF World Cultures to further facilitate his study. We wish him continued success with his research.

University of Caldas

Through the efforts of David Osorio Garcia, the University of Caldas has been awarded an institution-wide HRAF Global Scholarship. Through this scholarship, access to the eHRAF databases has been made available to the Anthropology program and to the entire institution. Classes are conducted using a case study methodology which applies anthropological knowledge to solving regional problems with comparative reflection on human behavior.

With access to the ethnographic and archaeological studies in the eHRAF databases, faculty are able to incorporate cross-cultural discussion and reflection to meet learning objectives of students from different subject areas. The Anthropology program has professors who are interested in doing cross-cultural research. An example of this the comparison of aging in Western and non-Western societies, a project that applies teaching and research to help solve social problems in the region. Having access to the eHRAF databases enhances awareness of cultural diversity and in turn allows the development of cross-cultural research with comparative methods.

To support funding priorities such as the HRAF Global Scholars program and the development of our open access resources (Explaining Human Culture, Teaching eHRAF, and Introducing Cross-Cultural Research), please consider making a tax-deductible donation.