The theoretical love of my life Pierre Bourdieu in a chapter entitled 'Sorcerer's Apprentices' (can you see why I like this guy) describes how in order to make it in academia the student's first and only task is to make himself disappear as a student. Which means to see and make his studentness as temporary a state as possible. As career routes are less certain for females (the blindfold) they are more likely to embrace the experience and identity of being a student and less likely to fake to make an academic identity. Thus they condemn themselves to being everlasting students.
This work was written in the 70s and things have changed. Although I wonder if there are still echoes.
One of the meanings of this card is 'insufficient data'. Story of my life. I could read and make theory for ever but have less than zero interest in doing empirical research. I am reminded by the card that equates to zero interest in my career. The two swords indicate choice and truth. Make a virtue of theoretical richness, make data out of it and allow the work to be what it wants to be.
I can relate to this, being a queen of swords at heart. :)
ReplyDeleteWe are watching the TV series Einstien which shows how his wife to be, Mileva Maric, was one the first female students at at the Department of Mathematics and Physics. What a tremeneous determination this woman had to survive and even excell a men's world
An artistic Queen of Swords. That's interesting :)
DeleteI know very little about Mileva Maric. I'm going to look her up.
looking up Mr. B I see him 'renowned as a public intellectual'.
ReplyDeleteApparently he didn't hide his light under a basket. I'm going to look him up some more...
Public intellectual means a very particular thing in his case. That academics should not hide in state funded ivory towers tut tutting about the government and but actually be activists and also take a good look in their own back yard. He did that in Homo Academicus which was scandalous at the time. Pascalian meditations is one of his best and most accessible works. Distinction also good. I am such a Bourdieu bore :) there will be a book one day...
DeleteAs the Bhagavad Gita says, make everything an offering. But then find something that is soul-fulfilling to do, even if it's not your job. Purpose and meaning can come from other places than just a career. (((L)))
ReplyDeleteI do find my research fulfilling - I wrote up fifty references yesterday and found it enjoyable almost meditative... but you are right I have long been overcommitted to the career part of life and I need more hobbies although I suppose this blog is one of them :)
DeleteYour research should definitely be included too! I didnt realize that it brought you such joy - that is a wonderful thing. :)
DeleteThis is a very self-assured woman, unlike the the gal in the RWS depiction. She says I know what you are up without having to see your devious actions. She is prepared. I can hear her say "Weak ha, I laugh at your assumptions."
ReplyDeleteYes she has a self assured little smile and holding those whopping swords - must be an intellectual heavyweight
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