Springer Engaged Anthropology: Views from Scandinavia (Approaches to Social Inequality and Difference)

In this volume, leading public anthropologists examine paths towards public engagement and discuss their experiences with engaged anthropology in arenas such as the media, international organizations, courtrooms, and halls of government. They discuss topics ranging from migration to cultural understanding, justice, development aid, ethnic conflict, war, and climate change. Through these examples of hands-on experience, the book provides a unique account of challenges faced, opportunities taken, and lessons learned. It illustrates the potential efficacy of an anthropology that engages with critical social and political issues. Review “Engaged Anthropology demonstrates both the enduring value of anthropological engagements outside the academy and the capacity of the discipline to inform the public about some of the most pressing social and political issues of our time. The critical perspectives advanced by anthropologists on matters as diverse as immigration policy, humanitarian assistance and political conflict bring a fresh voice to public debates and represent a new way of thinking about global complexity. I recommend this excellent collection to all those interested in exploring anthropology’s potential as a moral and empirical social science discipline led by public intellectuals.” (Richard Ashby Wilson, Professor of Anthropology and Law, University of Connecticut, USA)“This well-curated volume offers an enlightening and inspiring mix of reflections on the ethical and political challenges of engaged anthropology by leading Scandinavian ethnographers. It is a welcome addition to the emerging literature on anthropology's impact in the world:  on policy, on collaborators, on public opinion, and on the ethnographer herself.” (Catherine Besteman, Professor of Anthropology at Colby College, USA, and author of “Making Refuge”) From the Back Cover In this volume, leading public anthropologists examine paths towards public engagement and discuss their experiences with engaged anthropology in arenas such as the media, international organizations, courtrooms, and halls of government, on topics ranging from migration to cultural understanding, justice, development aid, ethnic conflict, war, and climate change. Using hands-on experiences and case studies, this book illustrates the potential efficacy of an anthropology that engages with critical social and political issues. About the Author Tone Bringa is Associate Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, Norway. Her research interests are in political anthropology and include such themes as ethnic conflict and co-existence, practiced Islam, post-socialist society, and state-collapse.Synnøve Bendixsen is Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, Norway. Her research interests include irregular migration, political mobilization, Islam and Muslims in Europe, religiosity, and urban anthropology.