Forget All Criteria

Abstract

This article is reaction of article Adams (2017) and call of establishing criteria. Author wants to say, that is not good call. Such call can bring poison fruits. Author say that we don’t need any criteria to do autoethongraphy, we just need safe space to meet and speak together.

The Future of Autoethnographic Criteria

“…I find myself writing about criteria although I tackled the subject on these pages approximately 10 years ago (Herrmann, 2012). I return to this topic partially in response to Szwabowski’s (2019) IRQR piece “Forget all Criteria” wherein he makes the case that we should in no way shape or form have any criteria by which to judge, evaluate, or review autoethnographic texts. He notes, “We do not need any criteria.…”

“…Similarly, Szwabowski (2019) suggests that having criteria plays into academic audit culture. There is no doubt that the capitalism’s professionalization and managerialism have infested academia (Poulos, 2020).…”

“…Numerous autoethnographers struggle with the neoliberal university and its consequences (Aubrey, et al, 2008; Callahan, 2008; Colado, 2002; Herrmann, 2017a). Szwabowski (2019) is correct when he notes “neoliberal politics in academia teaches me that writing is about getting prestige, being visible, and going up the global ladder” (p. 447). Academic capitalism may say “This and nothing more” (p. 447).…”

“…Using criteria to find and produce excellent autoethnography is not the same as saying “shut up, all the immigrants, workers—all of you not involved in academia—go to school and speak only when your voice will be excellent” (Szwabowski, 2019, p. 477). That is a false dilemma.…”

“…Szwabowski (2019) noted that “If we say that autoethnography is about dialogue...no judgment is allowed” (p. 477). That is not quite right.…”