Reimagining Public Anthropology

AntroBlogi as a Case Study for Popular Knowledge-Sharing

Authors

• Niina M. Ahola University of Helsinki https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8252-310X
• Saara Toukolehto University of Oulu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6899-2112

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30676/jfas.148387

Abstract

Public anthropology refers to the dissemination of anthropological knowledge beyond the academy, although no clear-cut definition of the term exists. In this article, we scrutinise the history, meanings, and practices of public anthropology, using the Finnish online science publication AntroBlogi as a case study. We present AntroBlogi’s portfolio through seven modes of knowledge-sharing: popular research, applied knowledge, social commentary, light entertainment, public education, collaborative meaning-making, and awareness creation. These modes are then analysed using anthropologist Didier Fassin’s conceptual division of public ethnography into two strands: popularisation and politicisation. We argue that, firstly, it is possible to engage in both strands without compromising academic rigour or the reputation of anthropology and, secondly, that public outreach efforts employing popular online publications play a significant role in facilitating the public afterlife of ethnographic research. Both strands of public anthropology are needed to boost the social relevance and impact of anthropological knowledge production.

Keywords: public anthropology, applied anthropology, engaged anthropology, popular anthropology, public engagement, science communication, media