The Inner World of Research
On Academic Labor
Published on 1. June 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
142 pages
978-1-83998-157-9 (ISBN)
Description
The Inner World of Research is a book about the joys and miseries of life as a researcher. Dealing with essential but rarely mentioned topics in the everyday life of a researcher, it focuses, in particular, on the role of emotions and social relations in research. It stretches from the individual researcher, to the 'micro-cosmos' of the research team and to the broader policy environment in which research takes place. Though based on autobiographical material from Stefan Svallfors' long career as a leading social scientist, the book also derives from extended interviews with researchers from a variety of disciplines, and with authors, artists and musicians. It delves into the mysteries of creativity; the joys and frustrations of collaboration; and the role of fear, anger and boredom in the life of a researcher.
Reviews / Votes
'The Inner World of Research offers illuminating insights into the joys and sorrows of contemporary academic life. Unlike other books on "the decline of the university", it is not only critical and pessimistic but also self-critical and constructive. A must-read for both scholars and research policy makers.'-Christer Nordlund, Professor of History of Science and Ideas, Umea University, Sweden 'Stefan Svallfors takes us on a journey to places where research is not merely a rational exercise, but culture, passion and lifestyle. An eye-opening book full of imagination and reflection by a great scholar.'
-Steffen Mau, Professor of Sociology, Humboldt-University zu Berlin, Germany 'Profoundly insightful and beautifully written. A must-read for everyone embarking on an academic career. A must-read also for those already in the midst of it and sometimes fearing for their sanity.'
-Jens Beckert, Director, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Germany
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Weight
217 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83998-157-9 (9781839981579)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Stefan Svallfors is a sociologist and a research professor at the Institute for Futures Studies in Stockholm. He is the Secretary General for the Humanities and Social Sciences at the Swedish Research Council, and a member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences.
Content
The cathedral on the plain; I: Alone together; The body as knowledge receptacle; Perceiving research objects; The good space; The bad space; A big imposter; Research policy as knowledge barrier; II: In the corner; Inside but outside; Born on the margins; Stand in the corner; Be each other's margin; Look after your enemies; Don't get drawn in; Movements in space; III: Darkness and light; The heart of darkness; Being just scared enough; Boredom is the mother of creation; The quiet fury; Self-contempt and revanchism; Angst is neighbours with euphoria; Learn to fail; Index.