Collective writing as survival tool: Mechanisms of reflexivity against neoliberal academia

Main author: Campbell, Simon
Other authors: Floristán Millán, Elisa
Wolf, Otto
Thornton, Rich
Riva, Sara
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-43014
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description This paper introduces an innovative method for enhanced researcher reflexivity: the use of synchronous collective writing as a space to collaboratively reflect on experiences of subjectification within the contemporary academy. We explore how, despite its apparent importance to contemporary research, the neoliberalisation of academia leaves little room for meaningful reflexivity. The authors in this paper – ranging from Master’s student to postdoctoral researcher – wrote collaboratively in real-time to organically develop a method of collective reflexivity. Through auto-ethnographic vignettes that act as raw data, and a critical analysis of how we came to experience the events showcased in these vignettes, we analyse how our positionalities shape both our subjection to, and perpetuation of, systems of symbolic violence in neoliberal academic institutions. Through this method, we explore experiences of the contemporary university as patriarchal, intensively marketised, and as a space where the prevalence of ‘weak’ reflexivity has negative impacts on research ethics. We argue that the affect of collaborative writing spaces acts as a resistance against our experiences of loneliness, competition and individualism. We also argue our new approach fosters research that is more responsive to the socio-material conditions to which it attends, and enables a deeper engagement with affect-led methodologies and slow-research.
format Journal Article
author Campbell, Simon
author_facet Campbell, Simon
Floristán Millán, Elisa
Wolf, Otto
Thornton, Rich
Riva, Sara
authorStr Campbell, Simon
author_letter Campbell, Simon
author2 Floristán Millán, Elisa
Wolf, Otto
Thornton, Rich
Riva, Sara
author2Str Floristán Millán, Elisa
Wolf, Otto
Thornton, Rich
Riva, Sara
title Collective writing as survival tool: Mechanisms of reflexivity against neoliberal academia
publisher Elsevier
publishDate 2024
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/43014/