Click the star to add/remove an item to/from your individual schedule.
You need to be logged in to avail of this functionality.
Log in
- Convenors:
-
Elizabeth Fewster
Ivan Levant (UQ)
Send message to Convenors
- Format:
- Lab
- Stream:
- Living with Others
- Location:
- WPE Moriac
- Sessions:
- Wednesday 23 November, -
Time zone: Australia/Melbourne
Short Abstract:
This workshop provides a space for postgraduates, undergraduates and emerging academics to discuss the variety of ways that anthropology can be used ‘outside the Academy’ in the public realm.
Long Abstract:
This workshop provides a space for postgraduates, undergraduates and emerging academics to discuss the variety of ways that anthropology can be used ‘outside the Academy’ in the public realm. Anthropology degrees provide students with a unique and extensive tool kit. In this workshop, we will explore different ways that anthropologists use their skills in their careers, studies, and practices outside of traditional academic spaces. As part of ANSA’s mission to encourage students’ interest and engagement with anthropology, this workshop will aim to explore both existing and emerging ways of engaging with anthropological thinking and research outside of traditional academics. We will discuss public anthropology, social media including podcasts and tik tok, research and consulting, performance art and writing.
Recent graduates Lizzie Fewster and Nikki Manolakis will be leading the workshop and discussing how they differently use their research and skill set ‘outside the Academy’. Dr Hannah Gould will also be discussing her public anthropology work and ‘death tik tok’."
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Tuesday 22 November, 2022, -Paper short abstract:
Anthropologists have long been told to “study up” (Nader 1972). In this paper I discuss my experience ‘conversing out and up’ to corporate workers and business leaders regarding the value of anthropological methods and theories.
Paper long abstract:
Anthropology is increasingly capturing the attention of the corporate world. Silicon Valley is apparently awash with anthropologically trained IT specialists, while companies such as Red Associates (Denmark, USA) have built their brand around the anthropological method. Likewise, recent works such as “Anthro-Vision” by Gillian Tett (2021) speak to the use of anthropology for business and government, and the efforts of a small but growing group of anthropologists to promote and employ the discipline in the realm of business and consumer research.
In this paper I share some of my experiences working as an Anthropologist for hire for various advertising and research agencies in Australia and the United Kingdom. I discuss how, within the corporate world, there are many misconceptions of what cultural anthropology is and what anthropologists do. I consider the benefits of encouraging the use of anthropology in the business world, as well as the challenges and caveats. I argue that in the wake of anthropology school closures at UWA and the broader vocational trends towards STEM and away from the social sciences, anthropologists in the business world may have an important role in promoting the discipline. Rather than only “study up” (Nader 1972), then, I propose we think about conversing out and up to corporate workers and business leaders.
Paper short abstract:
Anthroprospective is an online journal that promotes important research from social scientists working around the world in new & innovative ways. It aims to bridge the divide between academia and mainstream media by promoting research to wider audiences via the website and social media platforms.
Paper long abstract:
There are two barriers that have made it difficult for social science research to breach academic boundaries in order to engage a broader audience. Firstly, unpalatable and jargon-filled academic literature is usually not written for the public and therefore remains inaccessible to most of the population. Additionally, research publications are largely only available to those who are enrolled in an educational institution. Consequently, the benefits of research seldom reach the everyday person. Evidently, the impacts of social science research are not penetrating the walls of academia’s ivory tower. Secondly, social science faculties throughout the country are undergoing damaging re-structures and budget cuts which is profoundly impacting the discipline by reducing the quality of course content, the well-being of academics, and enrollment numbers.
Anthroprospective’s purpose is to counter these factors. In a move to bridge academic literature into more creative and accessible platforms, Anthroprospective interviews social researchers who work across diverse fields around the world to demonstrate the diverse pathways available in the social sciences. We also publish short and long-form articles on a range of social issues relevant to today's society. Importantly, we harness the full power of social media to promote our content to a more expansive audience and have found social media to be an invaluable tool in cultivating a strong community of diverse readers. It is our vision to find new and innovative ways to ensure that anthropology remains current and relevant in today's society as we believe its role today is more important than ever.