In this episode, host Namfon Narumol Choochan is joined by co-host Valentina Guerrero Chala, a PhD student in Anthropology, for a conversation with Professor Juno Salazar Parreñas about her ongoing research on global capitalism from nonhuman perspectives. In the Gatty lecture, Parreñas offers one example: the story of polar bears transported from Canada to the Singapore Zoo, shedding light on Singapore's rise in the global economy and the harmful effects of militarization and global capitalism. In the podcast, she shares several additional examples. The conversation also explores the current direction of multispecies ethnography. Tune in now to learn more!
Lightning round (Lecture Summary): 3:40
Main interview:
6:25: Why did you become an anthropologist?
9:33: What are the key takeaways from the class that you took in undergrad?
15:15: What drew you to the study of human and non-human relationships?
19:20: In your new project, how many animals are you examining and why?
25:08: Who is your intended audience for this project?
29:07: There is a trend in anthropology that calls for "a return to the past" as the best solution for current environmental problems. Do you think this is a viable option? If not, what vision for the future do you imagine through your work?
32:37: What is your take on multispecies ethnography? What do you think of multispecies ethnography as a field? Where is it going?
35:06: As scholars, we always write against ideas that frustrate us. What do you find frustrating? What are you writing against?
Advice for researchers and recommendations: 38:48
Dr. Parreñas's top recommendation:
The music on the podcast is from "14 Strings!", a Filipino-style Rondalla group established at Cornell University. Check them out here.
Produced by Adam Farihin and Cecilia Liu
