RT17: Building a less polarized world through anthropological education and new audiences, using international and local networks [Teaching Anthropology Network (TAN)]

RT17

Building a less polarized world through anthropological education and new audiences, using international and local networks [Teaching Anthropology Network (TAN)]

Convenors:: Giovanna Guslini (Formerly of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research)
Mary Hallin (University of Nebraska at Omaha)
Marzia Balzani (New York University Abu Dhabi)
Mimina Pateraki (University of St Andrews)
Shukti Chaudhuri-Brill (NYUParis)
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Formats:: Roundtable

Network:: Network Panel

Short Abstract

A roundtable discussion on education to further develop anthropological themes and practices in different international and local contexts presented at the TAN network interim event. How can these ideas and practices be developed to understand and counter polarization at different levels?

Long Abstract

The TAN network proposes a roundtable discussion on education to build on the TAN interim year event, an international hybrid conference which took place in October 2025 in Greece. The conference was organized in collaboration with multiple other anthropology associations (EASA, WCAA task force on Anthropological Education and New Audiences, IUAES Commission on Anthropology and Education) as well as with essential local support and collaboration from SKAE (the Association of Social Anthropologists – Greece); from the University of the Aegean Department of Social Anthropology and History, in Mytilene, Lesbos; as well as the Municipality of Korydallos and Municipality of Mytilene. The participants therefore will be some main actors and contributors in this conference. The discussion will build on the themes and practices discussed in the Greek conference to engage more directly with the aspect of polarization in the contemporary world. The TAN conference dealt with topics as varied as anthropological teaching practices, including digital and social media ones, in classrooms from preschool through high school and higher education, drawing on both theoretical models and case studies from around the globe. Other topics included how to engage anthropologists in the public domain, through case studies of several projects in different global contexts and in different disciplinary domains. These studies suggest that anthropological education strategies can help inform public policy and lead to greater community cohesion around shared traditions and values. This multinational roundtable discussion aims to debate how to develop these aspects of anthropological educational purposes and practices in educational and public settings, with the goal of addressing the increasing polarization of discourse and comportment in the public sphere.