Editor’s Note from Ella Hillström and Zarreen Kamalie

As anthropologists, could we be doing more to engage with the public? For anthropologists, in particular, the public holds a particular position in our work. Often described as the most “human of the sciences”, we are occasionally too concerned with being the “most scientific of the humanities”. When choosing a theme for this issue of Antroperspektiv, we wanted to move beyond words like ”impact” and instead turn to poetry, art, public lectures, and performances. 

In 1977 Tredje Uppgiften was established in Swedish law. According to this law, employees at universities and colleges have a responsibility to communicate their research to the public through ”public outreach. Yet, even today universities are often criticised for their detachment from the public. From the language or communication platforms used or a lack of intentional outreach, knowledge and research produced for public benefit is not making its way outside the ivory tower. In other parts of the world, we are seeing the consequences of this. Rising anti-intellectualism, poor communication of social scientific and humanities research, and a perceived incompatibility between academia and activism have only widened the gap between universities and the public. There are anthropologists who are committed to closing this gap. 

What can we learn about “outreach” or “reaching out” when we shift from consulting to, say, walking alongside others in demonstrations, understanding ideas you intuitively reject, and collaborating with others through writing, making, and conversation.

In this issue, we explore what this means, as well as what it means to communicate research and engage with the public. We explore anthropological tools and ideas that emerge in unexpected spaces. We reached out to anthropologists (in the broadest sense) who engage with people and ideas beyond academia. 

In ”When the Chairs Are Bolted Down”: On Tredje Uppdraget, Risk, and the Public University, we, the editors, sat down with professor and public figure Shahram Khosravi at Stockholm University to discuss Tredje Uppgiften and its tricky relationship with the university apparatus. Together, we spoke about how it shapes our practices as (future) academics  to think about the future of Tredje Uppgiften touching on themes of risk, censorship, and security. Before we leave the university, Annika Rabo, professor emeritus from Stockholm University, takes us through a long and fascinating career exploring the nature and influence of conspiracy theories, the significant perspectives that anthropological inquiry can bring. 

Then in line with our argument that outreach can, and should, include the arts and meeting people where they are. Juan Fabbri and Cateria Daniela Mora take us behind the scenes of their respective research projects. In his piece, “​​Tiwanaku in Drawings: Cows and Decolonization”, Uppsala University PhD Candidate Juan Fabbri brings art and anthropology together through conceptual drawing to, in his words, create a dialogue between writing and drawing. Here we find new ideas that emerge among his research participants. While Caterina, Stockholm University of the Arts (Stockholms Konstnärliga Högskolan, SKH) PhD Candidate and dancer, takes us on an intimate journey and reflection in “Chasing dances and troubles of proximity” on what it means to chase dance in research and in life, especially as an immigrant in Sweden. Caterina weaves reflection and thought to prompt questions about their motivations as an artistic researcher. Last but not least, Stockholm University Professor Gustav Peebles’ piece “The Priceless Mechanism”calls us as anthropologists to stand firm in our contributions to thinking about scarcity in a time of great abundance. 

Outreach is only as good as our capacities to engage others where they are. The pieces reflect a broader spirit of reflection that may inspire many anthropologists presently grappling with questions about outreach and public engagement. Maybe we’ve been asking the wrong questions all along. Perhaps reaching out is simply about being in touch with others and allowing ourselves to be touched. Perhaps we will find that we have been out there all along.

About the Editors