The Inner World of Research

A book about the misery and joy of life as a researcher, and on the role of emotions and social relations in research based on the author’s reflections from a life as a researcher and on interviews with leading scientists about their work and careers.

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 and 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 cathedral on the plain; I: Alone together; The body as knowledge receptacle; Perceiving research objects; The good space; The bad space; A big imposter; Research policy as knowledge barrier; II: In the corner; Inside but outside; Born on the margins; Stand in the corner; Be each other’s margin; Look after your enemies; Don’t get drawn in; Movements in space; III: Darkness and light; The heart of darkness; Being just scared enough; Boredom is the mother of creation; The quiet fury; Self-contempt and revanchism; Angst is neighbours with euphoria; Learn to fail; Index.