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Post01a


has 1 film 1
Symbiotic living: human-microbial relations in everyday life I 
Convenors:
Jón Þór Pétursson (University of Iceland)
Valdimar Tr. Hafstein (University of Iceland)
Håkan Jönsson (Lund University)
Salla Sariola (University of Helsinki)
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Format:
Panel
Stream:
POSTHUMANISM
:
Room H-205
Sessions:
Tuesday 14 June, -
Time zone: Europe/London

Short Abstract:

The panel researches symbiotic living among humans and microbes and how that coexistence is reshaped through cultural practices, present and past. How do they reforge symbiotic relations and what practices, imaginaries, narratives, gut feelings, reevaluations, and social bonds do these generate?

Long Abstract:

This panel investigates the repeated symbiotic practices of humans and microbes, their effects, affects, reciprocity, and social imaginaries. Its combined format juxtaposes paper presentations and a hands-on fermentation workshop where participants discuss and relate to microbes by fermenting with lactic acid bacteria and yeasts.

During the Covid pandemic, images of homemade sourdough bread rebounded through social media, with accounts of successes and failures in caring for “the mother”; a model of resilience in times of lockdown and social distancing. This century has witnessed exponential growth in scientific knowledge, popular interest and commercial investment in intimate relations between humans and microbes. This interest raises new questions and challenges for research, even as multi-species collectives that have reproduced each other for hundreds of human (and millions of microbial) generations are threatened with extinction.

Human-microbial relations involve varied social practices, including circulation of microbiota, narratives and epistemologies within and between the communities these engender. Fermentation, composting and agricultural practices may be seen as forms of interspecies communication, replete with anecdotes and jokes conveying a sense of purpose and belonging. How do people reforge symbiotic relations with microbial species? How are these interspecies relations reshaped through everyday practices, present and past? How does microbial matter and its transmission generate practices, consciousness, imaginaries, narratives, gut feelings, and social bonds? The panel encourages creative interpretations of human-microbial relations and diverse ethnographic accounts of the expressions these relations may evoke.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Tuesday 14 June, 2022, -
Panel Video visible to paid-up delegates