I would like to invite some reflections on the perennial question of what anthropology is for by focusing on an international institution of awarding excellence and service – the Nobel Prize.
Named after its founder, the Noble Prize was established in the beginning of this century to recognise individuals and institutions who have shown an outstanding service to humanity in particular fields of endeavour.
Among those who have been given this prestigious award since 1901 are economists, chemists, physicists, biologists, as well as novelists, artists, philosophers and politicians.
I have been wondering since I studied at SOAS why no anthropologist has made it to the list, considering that anthropologists – as students of humanity – are supposed to be closer to the people that they study. What does this tell about anthropology as discipline and practice? Or what does it tell about the award itself? Would someone now prefer to deconstruct the politics of this award? Or shall we start the search for our nominee? Who could that be?
If there are enough responses to this invitation for reflection, then I shall write an article on the theme or just present a report about the exchange. Perhaps some people would like to forward this invitation to other anthropologists or non-anthropologists alike.