Workshop Composing Coexistence

Environmental disasters and the (re-)emergence of infectious diseases require human health to be considered in relation to the health of animals and the environment. A growing number of social scientists investigate multispecies contact zones and how these are bound up with anthropogenic processes, such as climate change, land use, resource exploitation, pollution and toxicity.

Anthropological ambitions to compose coexistence in a sensitive way are higher than ever. However, multispecies researchers face several challenges and barriers, for example with regard to inter- or transdisciplinary work. While emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment, concepts like ‘One Health’ or ‘Planetary Health’ ultimately revolve around questions of human health and well-being. As a result, anthropocentric and human exceptionalist approaches are often promoted, neglecting the perspectives and needs of non-human beings. How can social scientists debunk such approaches? How can we ensure that we do not reproduce these perspectives? How can we address issues of translation, advocacy and agency concerning non-human beings?

With this workshop, we seek to address doctoral researchers from the social sciences and humanities with a keen interest in the study of more-than-human health. Over two days, we will present and discuss our research projects, and engage in creative exercises considering current debates on multispecies methodologies and related obstacles. Furthermore, we are delighted that Giorgio Brocco (University of Vienna) will give a talk on chemicality and toxicity in the plantation world of the French Caribbean.