The Inner World of Research: On Academic Labor

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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, 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.

'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, Ume 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

Reviews

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, Ume 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

Author Bio

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.