Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The manifesto for fieldwork is an invitation to engage in pedagogic discussion that sets out visions for the future of teaching fieldwork. At a time when curriculum projects in many universities are advocating for more experiential learning in authentic and real-world contexts, teaching and learning in the field faces challenges from climate and nature crises, pandemics, financial pressures, technology and the importance of ensuring fieldwork is inclusive and accessible. The manifesto offers provocations that we hope will be discussed, shared and contested. Fieldwork must be part of an ethical education that works towards just and liveable futures.Fieldwork must build new habits that address traditions rooted in masculinist, extractivist and colonialist science.Making fieldwork inclusive demands radical shifts in field practices, sites and relations.Fieldwork must be accountable to climate and nature crises.AI, VR and digital tools demand a re-imagining and remaking of the field.Fieldwork must be built on collaboration.Our ambition for the manifesto is not to encourage righteous equivocation about good or bad fieldwork. Instead, we invite you to reflect on, and respond to, these provocations as part of a project that will articulate a renewed vision for, and robust justification of, the future of fieldwork.
Authors: Dan Swanton, Lesley Batty, Derek France
Language: English
Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7140191431