The Funding of Research in Social-Cultural Anthropology at the National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation is the largest single source of finds for research targeted in cultural anthropology. The patterns of funding for "senior" research (post-Ph.D.) since 1956 are described and analyzed. Total dollars spent have increased, but the average grant size has decreased in recent years. The chances of getting funding are found not to be different if one is female or more senior, has resubmitted a previously declined proposal, or has a Ph.D. from an "elite" program. Smaller proposals and proposals from "elite" institutions have a slightly higher probability of getting funded. Differences in funding across research areas (geographical and substantive) are also discussed.