Engaged Anthropology and Scholar Activism

Abstract

This special issue explores theoretical and methodological issues related to activist and engaged scholarship. Combining scholarship and activism involves the (collaborative) production of knowledge that contributes not only to understanding the issues research participants face, but also to the social change they envision (Kirsch 2018; Hale 2006; Rasch and Van Drunen 2017; Rasch and Köhne 2016). Often, this entails a process of double contention. Activist scholars might be involved in social struggles against inequality and exclusion beyond the production of knowledge, engaging in solidarity work, supporting court cases, and co-strategizing for actions (see for example Bringa 2016; Grasseni 2014; Hale 2006). At the same time, they are often involved in processes of contention related to the metrics-oriented neoliberal university, as well as to its underlying positivist, eurocentrist, and colonialist structures (see for example Datta 2018; Mountz et al 2015).

Co-producing just geographies: Resourcing, bridging, and critical crossings in engaged scholarship

“…Finally, in the current moment, engaged scholarship is unfolding in the neoliberalized academy where politically engaged research is either discouraged or channeled through carefully constructed impact matrices. In this context, to engage within and across the university is to equally engage in the daily practice and struggle of 'enacting the university as we want it to be' (Rasch et al, 2022). Patel (2022) argues that to effectively leverage the potential of collaboration, multiple shifts are needed.…”

Regímenes de in/movilidad y crisis migratoria en la ruta canaria

“…Para contestar esta cuestión nos basamos en un trabajo de campo etnográfico realizado de forma discontinua en 2021 y 2022 en Tenerife (Islas Canarias) 3 , así como en el seguimiento de personas migrantes por España durante el año 2023. Se realizaron acompañamientos a personas migrantes y se colaboró con plataformas de ayuda, en forma de etnografía comprometida con los problemas a los que se enfrentan las personas que participan en la investigación (Juris, 2007;Rasch et al, 2022). También realizamos 17 entrevistas formales (semi-estructuradas y grabadas, tres de ellas de forma remota) y 29 entrevistas informales (no grabadas, abiertas), a personas migrantes, activistas, trabajadores del sistema de acogida y juristas en migraciones 4 .…”

Let it flow! : Navigating hydropower conflicts in southern Chile

“…If this entails writing, it would be excellent, but if they lack interest in doing it, there is no need to compel them into unfamiliar processes. That said, I consider that the focus of an engaged and collaborative research resides in transforming "the traditional, vertical researcher-researched relationship" (Rasch et al, 2022) and producing agreements that are not a straitjacket, neither for the researcher nor for the research participants.…”

“…Nevertheless, an engaged ethnographic approach acknowledges the responsibility and commitment of researchers to address contemporary problems that they identify while conducting fieldwork. This approach brings together diverse elements of scholar activism to transform "the traditional, vertical researcher-researched relationship" (Rasch et al, 2022). Hence, and extending beyond the text they must write for their scholarly activities, through this approach, researchers can work "toward achieving a more ethical world" (Kirsch, 2018:236).…”