Paper short abstract:

Is activism as we, middle-class academics and activists, conceptualise it, affordable for everyone? If not, does that mean people who cannot afford it can never be activists? What is our role in (re)defining activism and how do we do that?

Paper long abstract:

This paper, based on visual ethnographic research in Novi Sad, Serbia, approaches the question of affordability of activism as it is understood/ conceptualised by middle-class academics and activists. It does so through study of social engagement on what could be considered two different margins of research on activism.

On the first margin lies the quiet 'everyday activism' of individuals which happens outside of the framework of NGOs, foundations, protest movements, etc. Activism of people who contribute to their communities but for various reasons (of choice or imposed) do not belong to any organisations or movements. Such engagement can be conceptualised as 'acts of citizenship' (Isin 2008), which may or may not transform into 'actions'.

On the second margin lies the 'invisible activism' of ethnic minorities and migrants who engage for causes beyond those important for their own community. Such engagement is invisible because it happens outside any minority/migrant community structures (point of access/reference for researchers and media) and because at times it takes forms which comparing to the activism of those who can afford more grand forms of acting (/resisting) it seems insignificant.

The presentation will include parts of my ethnographic documentary 'Active (citizen)' about invisible activism of a Roma refugee from Kosovo collecting trash on the streets of Novi Sad, Serbia, as well as other research footage. Through the work with video material, I ask: what is our role in re-defining activism and how do we do that?