******************************************************
* http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
* A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
* online discussions, teaching and research resources *
* and international contacts directory. *
******************************************************
Dear All,
Just to throw a different pinch of salt into a discussion that is not at all
trivial. Madalina Florescu's main point needs addressing, not dismissing,
and and that, it seems to me, was what she wrote about fetishism (and we
could go on to alienation, etc.) one of the curses of our discipline. Yes,
anthropologists use tools and write about them, but within a social context.
Guns, germs, steel..., Facebook, space exploration capsules and so on
themselves do nothing, any more than money and history in themselves, that
is, free of social agency (call it "human agency" if you like). Reference
has been made to Bruno Latour....... Well, even he might not accept that he
has said the final word on anything, any more than anyone else has. In any
case, selecting authorities rather than arguments does not a good case. The
point made by Madalina is very topical at a time when attribution to such
technologies as mobile telephones are made to social change, even to
transformations, in Egypt, for instance.
Thank you,
Michael Costello
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Rachel Scicluna" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:59 PM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Post-doctoral research position in Ethnography & Design at the
TRIL centre (www.trilcentre.org) in Dublin, Ireland
> ******************************************************
> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
> * and international contacts directory. *
> ******************************************************
>
>
>
> Dear Chiara, I am delighted that you shared this post on this listserve!
> Doing anthropological practice is in deed a tool which seeks to understand
> the complexities of humanity - through the gap between behaviour and
> thinking, or what people say they do (or they think they do) as opposed to
> what actually they do. Now, this methodology so unique to anthropology is
> key to explore and investigate any form of human interaction - so I don't
> understand why this post should not be one appropriate for an
> anthropologist. Madalina may I remind you that we have always been using
> tools as an aid to our existentiality since time immemorial. Here, I am
> not romanticing technology or in that case any form of dominant power
> structure (being it biomedicine or religion etc) but it is also important
> to see how in general our lives have improved due to technology. Of
> course, there are all sorts of debates that would prove otherwise to which
> I would agree to. But it is imp that the anthropologist is part of this
> research for varied reasons. One is to cast a critical eye and not simply
> analyse the process. So I don;t see anything strange in this post which
> from what I understand is not asking the anthropologist/researcher to do
> research on technology tools or design, but to look at the relationship
> between the tool, the user and its functional use within society (young or
> old); and perhaps to provide insight in how to make this relationship
> better and improve the tool! and it happens that my own work is on the
> domestic kitchen in the UK!! so i have lots of questions and answers to
> this, but I don't think domestic 'cleaners' are the only ones with a
> direct relation to the kitchen...you have tapped in a very political and
> complex argument here! > Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:28:26 +0200
>> From: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: Post-doctoral research position in Ethnography & Design at
>> the TRIL centre (www.trilcentre.org) in Dublin, Ireland
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>
>> ******************************************************
>> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> * and international contacts directory. *
>> ******************************************************
>>
>> Dear Madaline,
>>
>> As to your point: "You may interview them about their relationship to the
>> design of the bathroom and kitchen furniture", my answer is "Yes, we
>> may."
>>
>> Best,
>> Aleksandra
>>
>> 2012/8/27 Madalina Florescu <[log in to unmask]>
>>
>> > ******************************************************
>> > * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > * and international contacts directory. *
>> > ******************************************************
>> >
>> > Well, good there is some disagreement, it means we are thinking. I
>> > accept that there cannot be one single definition of the object of
>> > ethnographic research, but to reduce ethnography to the study of
>> > technology design is terribly limiting, I wopuld bventure to day, it
>> > smells of dogma. Perhaps it is a matter of religion, more than of
>> > technology. Bruno Latour is neither the only nor themost authoriative
>> > anthropologist in town.. am I being a heretic? Yours is not an
>> > argument, but a claim, and I agree there are many making it, in the
>> > same way that there are many pilgrims going to Lourdes. Dont, you
>> > find it strange, though, that nobody seems intrigued by where these
>> > superhuman instruments are made? By whom? And at what cost? Maybe
>> > anthropologists should not worship technology and be more critical
>> > about what they are fed. In my humble opinion, Bourdieu´s Distinction
>> > and Norbert Elias' The Civilizing Process are more enlightening than
>> > Latour,s. By the way, do you or anyone you know employ domestic
>> > cleaners? You may interview them about their relationship to the
>> > design of the bathroom and kitchen furniture).
>> >
>> > Best
>> > m
>> >
>> > 2012/8/27, [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>:
>> > > ******************************************************
>> > > * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > > * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > > * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > > * and international contacts directory. *
>> > > ******************************************************
>> > >
>> > > Dear all,
>> > > Thank you all for the replies (next time I post something on the list
>> > > I
>> > will
>> > >
>> > > not absent myself for lunch but wait for replies instead!).
>> > >
>> > > A few quick points in reply:
>> > > • My understanding was that this list was for postgraduates with
>> > > a
>> > > background
>> > > in anthropology and since the job posted encourages people with an
>> > > anthropological background to apply I thought the list was a suitable
>> > place
>> > > to
>> > > post it (thanks for confirming this both to Rebecca and David).
>> > > • This is not a typical academic position (hereby meant as
>> > > teaching
>> > > position,
>> > > for the purpose of this post) but instead one that is predominantly
>> > research
>> > >
>> > > focused. It is about doing research in a very applied field. Hence
>> > > people
>> > > who
>> > > are interested working in this arena are encouraged to apply.
>> > > • Madalina, labour is a very important topic of research. In fact
>> > one of the
>> > >
>> > > most important (and fetishism per se a very interesting aspect of its
>> > > ramifications). But of course that does not make it the only worth
>> > > one to
>> > > pursue.
>> > >
>> > > It is very interesting to me to see how there still is such animosity
>> > > between
>> > > applied/theoretical and academic/industry focused research in
>> > anthropology.
>> > > We
>> > > could possibly start a discussion on the hierarchical discourse
>> > > around
>> > > anthropological sub-disciplines (very much like we do with sciences
>> > versus
>> > > humanities)... that would be an interesting study!
>> > >
>> > > Anthropology (and ethnography) is for me a wonderful discipline that
>> > looks
>> > > into the complexities of the world in a specific manner. We should
>> > > not be
>> > > shy
>> > > away about applying it beyond teaching it and use it to show others
>> > > how
>> > we
>> > > understand the world.
>> > >
>> > > For Tomas: for somebody who works in technology I do not seem very
>> > > good
>> > at
>> > > posting links! I will try this way http://bit.ly/14SbF6 (if it doesn’t
>> > work
>> > >
>> > > still, try google “University College Dublin job vacancies” and you
>> > should
>> > > find
>> > > the page). Thanks for distributing beyond the list.
>> > >
>> > > Regards,
>> > > Chiara
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >>----Messaggio originale----
>> > >>Da: [log in to unmask]
>> > >>Data: 27/08/2012 14.20
>> > >>A: <[log in to unmask]>
>> > >>Ogg: Re: Post-doctoral research position in Ethnography & Design
>> > >>at
>> > the
>> > >>
>> > > TRIL centre (www.trilcentre.org) in Dublin, Ireland
>> > >>
>> > >>******************************************************
>> > >>* http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > >>* A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > >>* online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > >>* and international contacts directory. *
>> > >> ******************************************************
>> > >>
>> > >>The job advert is for an anthropologist, so it is definitely relevant
>> > >>for
>> > > this list.
>> > >>A quick look at their website reveals that the research centre is
>> > committed
>> > >>
>> > > to using ethnography to help design appropriate technology for old
>> > people so
>> > >
>> > > that they can live independently in their homes and communities.
>> > > Sounds
>> > like
>> > > a
>> > > worthy project to me.
>> > >>Beckie
>> > >>(list moderator)
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>On 27 Aug 2012, at 13:14, Ola Lis <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >>> ******************************************************
>> > >>> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > >>> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > >>> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > >>> * and international contacts directory. *
>> > >>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Dear Madalina,
>> > >>>
>> > >>> I agree with Tomás and I don't get why STSish ads would not be
>> > >>> relevant
>> > >>> for
>> > >>> this list... I would like to see more of them here!
>> > >>>
>> > >>> Best,
>> > >>> Aleksandra
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>> 2012/8/27 Tomás Sánchez Criado <[log in to unmask]>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > >>>> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > >>>> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > >>>> * and international contacts directory. *
>> > >>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Dear Madalina
>> > >>>> I cannot be but in total disagreement with you. If there is a
>> > >>>> quintessential ethnographic object of the present that would be
>> > >>>> technology
>> > >>>> design. Shouldn't we be allowed to talk about how design processes
>> > >>>> shape
>> > >>>> our everyday life? Bruno Latour (amongst others) has said a few
>> > >>>> things
>> > >>>> about the politics of technology through design ethnography…
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Cheers
>> > >>>> T
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> El 27/08/2012, a las 13:50, Madalina Florescu escribió:
>> > >>>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > >>>>> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > >>>>> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > >>>>> * and international contacts directory. *
>> > >>>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>> Apologies, but I do not see the relevance of this post-doctoral
>> > >>>>> position for a mailing list like this one. We may then post also
>> > >>>>> the
>> > >>>>> jobs advertised by the amry? Anyone interested in doing some
>> > >>>>> human
>> > >>>>> terrain in afghanistan? I am sure there are plenty of links in
>> > >>>>> ethnographically designed websites. If there is anything
>> > >>>>> quintesentially fetishist, that's design. Has labour become
>> > >>>>> obsolete,
>> > >>>>> or is too ugly?
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>> Madalina Florescu
>> > >>>>>
>> > >>>>> 2012/8/27, [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>:
>> > >>>>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>>> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > >>>>>> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > >>>>>> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > >>>>>> * and international contacts directory. *
>> > >>>>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >>>>>> Apologies – I am told the link does not work.
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >>>>>> To apply: go to
>> > >>>> https://hrweb.ucd.ie/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_search_package.
>> > >>>>>> search_form?p_company=1&p_internal_external=E# > Search by
>> > >>>>>> Reference
>> > >>>> Number
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >>>>>> 005337 > check Job Spec
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >>>>>> Regards,
>> > >>>>>> Chiara
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> ----Messaggio originale----
>> > >>>>>>> Da: [log in to unmask]
>> > >>>>>>> Data: 27/08/2012 11.57
>> > >>>>>>> A: <[log in to unmask]>
>> > >>>>>>> Ogg: Post-doctoral research position in Ethnography &
>> > >>>>>>> Design at
>> > >>>>>>> the
>> > >>>>>>> TRIL
>> > >>>>>> centre (www.trilcentre.org) in Dublin, Ireland
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>>>> * http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
>> > >>>>>>> * A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
>> > >>>>>>> * online discussions, teaching and research resources *
>> > >>>>>>> * and international contacts directory. *
>> > >>>>>>> ******************************************************
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> Post-doctoral research position in Ethnography & Design at
>> > >>>>>>> the
>> > >>>>>>> TRIL
>> > >>>>>> centre (www.trilcentre.org) in Dublin, Ireland:
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> "The Postdoctoral Researcher in Ethnography & Design will
>> > >>>>>>> join
>> > >>>>>>> the
>> > >>>> TRIL
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>> Centre’s Technology & Design team based in UCD CASL. The
>> > >>>>>> candidate
>> > >>>> will
>> > >>>>>> be
>> > >>>>>> joining a multidisciplinary team of biomedical engineers,
>> > >>>>>> software
>> > >>>>>> developers,
>> > >>>>>> and designers. The candidate will have a track record of
>> > >>>>>> previous
>> > >>>> experience
>> > >>>>>> in
>> > >>>>>> conducting ethnographic and qualitative research and a strong
>> > >>>>>> interest
>> > >>>> in
>> > >>>>>> working in projects for the development technologies for
>> > >>>>>> independent
>> > >>>>>> living.
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a
>> > >>>>>>> specified
>> > >>>>>>> programme
>> > >>>>>> of research supported by research training and development under
>> > >>>>>> the
>> > >>>>>> supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator. The
>> > >>>>>> primary
>> > >>>> purpose
>> > >>>>>> of
>> > >>>>>> the role is to further develop your research skills and
>> > >>>>>> competences,
>> > >>>>>> including
>> > >>>>>> the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic
>> > >>>>>> publications,
>> > >>>>>> the
>> > >>>>>> development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate
>> > students
>> > >>>> along
>> > >>>>>>
>> > >>>>>> with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led
>> > teaching.
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> Salary: €33,975 - €40,003 per annum
>> > >>>>>>> Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon
>> > qualifications
>> > >>>> and
>> > >>>>>> experience.
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> Competition Closing date: 6th September 2012"
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> To apply visit: https://hrweb.ucd.
>> > >>>>>> ie/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.display_form
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> For further information on the job specs and requirements check
>> > >>>>>>> the
>> > >>>>>>> "005337-
>> > >>>>>> Job Description" document
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> Best regards,
>> > >>>>>>> Chiara
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> ------------------------------
>> > >>>>>>> Chiara Garattini, PhD
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> TRIL Centre
>> > >>>>>>> University College Dublin
>> > >>>>>>> CASL, Belfield Park Unit 8,
>> > >>>>>>> Clonskeagh, Dublin 4,
>> > >>>>>>> Ireland
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> t: +353 1 716 5704
>> > >>>>>>> w: www.trilcentre.org
>> > >>>>>>>
>> > >>>>>>> *************************************************************
>
>
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