Fieldwork NL on au pairs and thesis on public policy win Speckmann Awards 2024
‘The care of an au pair' is chosen as the best Fieldwork NL report and 'The unruly reality of a new government' as the best master's thesis. Lila van Grieken, Annika Kruger, Benjamín Maldonado Fernández and Holly Zijderveld and Mony Klaus receive the Speckmann Award 2024.
Every year, the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology presents the Speckmann prize, recognizing excellence in both the best Fieldwork NL report and the most outstanding master’s thesis.
The care of an au pair
Lila, Annika, Benjamín and Holly's analysis explores the complexities surrounding au pairing, particularly the conflicting expectations of whether it's a job or a cultural exchange. They highlight how these conflicting expectations, from families, authorities and au pairs themselves, often lead to suffering for au pairs, while acknowledging the positive experiences that some may have. They also skilfully link these expectations to broader issues such as gendered work dynamics and racial and ethnic stereotyping. Their work is an impressive example of ethnographic research, characterised by a deep understanding of and empathy for the people involved. It demonstrates the qualities of commitment, attentiveness and sensitivity that are essential to meaningful anthropological research. 'The Care of an Au Pair' was supervised by John Boy.
The unruly reality of a new government: Navigating between networks and serving in a 'vulnerable' neighbourhood
Mony's thesis explores the idea of a 'new government' in a neighbourhood called Westwijk, as a concept, a policy and a practical application. The thesis offers a sharp examination of how traditional methods of governance and conflicting political objectives pose challenges for those attempting to implement and embrace this 'new government' approach. Drawing on detailed ethnographic research, Mony vividly portrays the dilemmas faced by those involved in policy-making. Throughout the thesis, Mony emphasises the voices and experiences of her participants, resulting in a narrative that is both empathetic and analytically rigorous. As befits a policy in practice thesis, Mony concludes her work with actionable recommendations based on her ethnographic findings, which the judges believe will be of value to practitioners in the field. Her research is part of the Crafting Resilience research project. Mony's work also won the FSW Thesis Prize earlier this year.
Every year, the Institute for Cultural Anthropology and Sociology of Development awards the Speckmann Prize for the best Fieldwork NL report by Bachelor students and the best Master thesis. This tradition started in 1993 and is named after Professor dr. J.D. Speckmann (1928-1997), who taught empirical sociology with a special focus on fieldwork. The jury for the 2024 edition includes Andrew Little John and Federico de Musso.
Read more about the Prof.dr.J.D. Speckmann Prize.