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2025-02-21

Book Release: Academic Misfits – Questioned Belongings in Higher Education

Magnus Hoppe and Anna Uhlin, both esteemed members of Transformative Management, have edited and contributed to the newly released book Academic Misfits: Questioned Belongings in Higher Education (Routledge).

This thought-provoking book brings together narratives from academics worldwide, exploring the struggles of belonging in academia. It sheds light on discrimination, careerism, bureaucracy, and the often-unspoken challenges that push talented individuals to the margins. Through these powerful stories, the book aims to foster a more inclusive and sustainable academic environment.

Magnus Hoppe’s chapter, “Making an Academic Career Without a Reference,” reflects on his unconventional path in academia, where remembering references was a struggle. He shares how embracing one's uniqueness and writing authentically can be a strength rather than a flaw.

Anna Uhlin’s chapter, “God is a Lobster: Of Muteness and a Lost Sense of Professional Value in Becoming an Academic,” delves into the experience of feeling muted and undervalued when entering academia as a mature junior scholar. She introduces the concept of the ‘lobster syndrome’ as a way to articulate and navigate these challenges.

This book is a must-read for researchers, doctoral students, and anyone striving for a more inclusive academic world. We at Transformative Management are proud to support our members in driving these important conversations.

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Academic Misfits: Questioned Belongings in Higher Education, Routledge External link.

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