Mark Carrigan

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What does it mean to be a public intellectual in an age of austerity?

The higher education system is going through a period of profound change, with newfound opportunities opening up for the superstar professors to develop their brand through MOOCs, TV and cinema. Where will it all lead? Fortunately the renowned anthropologist Robin Dunbar has opted to show us the way through this minefield. In this series of videos produced by Guinness (HT Charles Knight) he has teamed up with the comedian Danny Wallace to… do something slightly depressing. It’s probably best I let Guinness explain the project themselves:

Friendships are a beautiful thing… but not if they’re left to wither away to nothingness.

Is sending your mates the odd tweet or giving them a call once in while enough? Science says not.

Getting together is what’s needed, seeing each other, doing stuff together…why is this? Well, because science says so.

A bold claim, yes, but Guinness have teamed up with Professor Robin Dunbar of Oxford University who’s research in this area has proven that men need to meet up physically and frequently to maintain their friendships.

Not only will this lead to stronger friendships but it will lead to a better, richer life. Again, this is science saying this.

So, to explain more and to help Robin put his science to the test Guinness enlisted the help of social commentator Danny Wallace and the effervescent Jonathan Ross.

http://www.guinness.com/en-gb/roundupyourmates/

Isn’t it great that academics have the chance to make an impact through an integrated marketing campaign? If only C Wright Mills were still alive so he could team up with Harley-Davidson! What well loved brand will you be seeking research sponsorship from?

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2 responses to “What does it mean to be a public intellectual in an age of austerity?”

  1. Roy Wilson Avatar
    Roy Wilson

    Imagine the approach used to market sex-toys. 🙂 And the possibility of recruiting ‘subjects’ – their fun, the researchers and the companies profit. Wooohooo!

  2. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    it’s a brave new world

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