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- Convenors:
-
Rituparna Patgiri
Georgeta Stoica (Centre Universitaire de Recherche et Formation (CUFR) de Mayotte)
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- Chair:
-
Georgeta Stoica
(Centre Universitaire de Recherche et Formation (CUFR) de Mayotte)
- Discussants:
-
Rituparna Patgiri
Bhargabi Das (Shiv Nadar University, Delhi)
Alexandra Oancă (KU Leuven)
Mabrouk Boutagouga (University of Batna 1)
Philippe Charpentier (Cufr Mayotte)
- Formats:
- Roundtable
- Mode:
- Face-to-face
- Sessions:
- Tuesday 23 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Madrid
Short Abstract:
This panel traces the inter-relationship between the anthropological profession and the rising challenge of precarious work conditions. Organized by WCAA Precarity Task Force in collaboration with PrecAnthro.
Long Abstract:
Keywords: Precarity, Anthropology, Academic Freedom, Work
The discipline of Anthropology has faced numerous challenges in the recent past, with precarity being one of them. The term precarity in this context refers to the short term and contractual nature of work that anthropologists are forced to engage in various forms. Some of these could be in the form of guest lectures, visiting fellowships, short term research projects and contractual positions (Casas-Cortés 2021).What these forms of work have in common is that the workers can be terminated at any point of time by the university or institution in question. The nature of these precarious jobs and work conditions raises several questions about the development of Anthropology as a discipline. There is also an intricate connection between precarity and capitalism as well the rise of right-wing governments worldwide, which also challenges academic freedom. While the matter has received some attention in the Western context (Fotta et al. 2020), there is still no discussion on how precarity (Ferreira, Stoica, 2022) is unfolding in the global South. Thus, through this roundtable, we wish to address the following issues with specific reference to the global South:
1. The specificity of precarity in relation to the discipline of Anthropology
2. Nature and forms of precarity in Anthropology
3. The ways in which precarity can be challenged
4. The role of states, universities, institutions and professional bodies
5. Precarity, Ideology and Academic Freedom
Accepted contribution:
Session 1 Tuesday 23 July, 2024, -Mabrouk Boutagouga (University of Batna 1) Brahim Benarfa (University of Batna 1)
Contribution short abstract:
This paper explores the challenges faced by indigenous anthropologists in Africa amid academic precarity, emphasizing the importance of context-specific strategies. It contributes to understanding anthropological practice in the region with a focus on inclusivity, representation, and equity.
Contribution long abstract:
This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the challenges faced by indigenous anthropologists working in Africa within the context of academic precarity. In recent years, the term precarity has gained traction in academic discourse, predominantly within the Western context. However, this study shifts the focus to the unique and often overlooked experiences of indigenous anthropologists navigating the complex landscape of academia in Africa.
The specificity of precarity within the discipline of Anthropology is analyzed through the lens of indigenous scholars, shedding light on the distinct challenges they encounter in pursuing their academic endeavors. Short-term contracts, guest lectureships, and research projects present not only job insecurity but also intersect with cultural and contextual nuances that shape the indigenous anthropological experience.
The paper delves into the multifaceted nature and forms of precarity faced by indigenous anthropologists. It explores how their work conditions are influenced by factors such as community expectations, cultural sensitivities, and the often precarious funding mechanisms available to indigenous researchers. By uncovering these intricacies, the study aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the diverse manifestations of precarity within the African academic landscape.
Precarity is explored not only as a professional challenge but also as an issue that intersects with broader discussions on identity, cultural preservation, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems. By weaving together these threads, this paper offers a comprehensive examination of the lived experiences of indigenous anthropologists in Africa, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on inclusivity, representation, and equity within the discipline of Anthropology.