Talk on motivation
The Work in Progress in the Social Studies (WIPSS) seminar series, convened by Paul Clough and Peter Mayo under the auspices of the Mediterranean Institute, University of Malta, will begin next week by hosting Jon Mitchell, head of the Department of...
The Work in Progress in the Social Studies (WIPSS) seminar series, convened by Paul Clough and Peter Mayo under the auspices of the Mediterranean Institute, University of Malta, will begin next week by hosting Jon Mitchell, head of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Sussex.
Dr Mitchell will give a paper entitled ‘Run and Become – Motivation and Transformation in Marathon Running’. This paper will present the results of a research project he conducted early this year, which looked at people’s motivation and self-transformation while training for and running the inaugural Brighton Marathon.
Dr Mitchell worked closely with a local artist to produce a short film, a book and an exhibition based on the research. He will screen the film and present extracts from the book, which focuses on the individual journeys of those training to run the 26.2 mile (42km) course.
Anthropologically, the presentation will explore issues surrounding the morality of self-making and self-transformation, together with Foucauldian ideas about self-discipline and regimes of bodily control.
The lecture will be held in the University Mediterranean Institute Room 124, Tal-Qroqq, on Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. It will be followed by a discussion. Everybody is invited.