Cultural Anthropology and Cat Cafes

The Anthropology Club, in its first year as a Dwight-Englewood student club, hosted an event in the Imperatore Library for upper school students and staff last week. Dr. Amanda Robinson, a specialist in youth culture in Japan, gave the group some background information about cultural anthropology before sharing her research into the development of cat cafes. These cafes, which are a relatively new phenomenon, are responding to a particular need for a group of people in Japan, and they are beginning to spread to other parts of the world as well. In highlighting the importance of respecting cultures other than our own, Dr. Robinson stated, "We can always understand. We just have to try."

It was an interesting and educational event and we thank Helen Yu, president of the Anthropology Club, for setting it up. For more information about the Anthropology club, check out their website.

Helen Yu, president of the Anthropology Club, introduces our guest speaker. 

Dr. Amanda Robinson begins by defining cultural anthropology for the group.

Dr. Robinson shares what she has learned about cat cafe culture in Japan.