Steven Rousso-Schindler

Dr. Steven Rousso-Schindler is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He specializes in visual anthropology and the anthropology of the Middle East, with a focus on national narrative theory and the impact of geopolitical structures on cultural practices. His research in Palestine/Israel analyzes how media and historical narratives shape social identity, particularly regarding the Israel apartheid wall's effects on Palestinian communities. He has produced numerous ethnographic and documentary films exploring environmental activism, green architecture, and cultural transformations in China and the U.S.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of Southern California (2007)
• M.A.V.A. in Visual Anthropology, University of Southern California (1999)
• B.A. in Anthropology, University of Maryland (1993)

Research Interests:

• Visual anthropology and ethnographic film production
• National narrative theory and Middle East politics
• Demographic studies and medical anthropology
• Environmental advocacy and sustainable living
• Cultural dynamics in rural China and the U.S.

Film and Academic Contributions:

His work spans documentary films screened internationally (e.g., PBS, Society for Visual Anthropology Festival) and peer-reviewed articles on topics like algorithmic fairness, Israeli population politics, and marriage practices in rural China. Notable films include At Street Level (2016), which won the Impact Doc Awards, and Our Mother’s Recipe (2003), broadcast nationally on PBS.

Awards and Recognition:

• Award of Recognition, Impact Doc Awards (2017)

Teaching and Mentorship:

Dr. Rousso-Schindler teaches courses such as Ethnographic Film Production and directs student fieldwork. Though no advisees are listed, his mentorship is evident through collaborative film projects and academic publications.

Labs/Teams:

His research involves interdisciplinary teams, including collaborations with filmmakers and anthropologists in China and the Middle East, though no formal lab names are specified.