Xiang Biao

Xiang Biao, co-director at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology and noted migration scholar, shares the origins of his Common Concerns approach. He recounts fieldwork among migrants, the turn to public-facing writing, and how co-research and public testing shape actionable, generative concepts. The conversation highlights workshops, responsibility in public influence, and turning lived worries into research practices.

In this engaging discussion, Xiang Biao, a social anthropologist and director at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, shares insights from his impactful book, Self as Method. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual activism for China’s youth, encouraging them to think independently. The conversation explores how social media influences polarization, the distinction between self-improvement and systemic change, and the significance of local observation for individual agency. Xiang also discusses the intersection of theory and public engagement, highlighting new research on ambition.

Xiang Biao, a social anthropologist known for writing on Chinese migration and youth, reflects on post‑pandemic disillusion among young people. He discusses how education and mobility promises falter. He introduces the idea of the 'nearby'—rebuilding local ties and practical agency. He also rethinks the role of intellectuals as facilitators rather than lecturers.

Professor Xiang Biao, a social anthropologist and director at the Max Planck Institute, is joined by journalist Wu Qi to discuss their book 'Self as Method: Thinking Through China and the World.' They delve into the power of intellectual activism and the importance of self-thought for Chinese youth. The conversation touches on the interplay between conflict and systemic change, the value of bridging academia with public engagement, and how local observations can shift perspectives. Their insights aim to inspire a new generation to engage critically with their surroundings.

In this engaging conversation, social anthropologist Xiang Biao delves into his groundbreaking book, advocating for intellectual activism among China's youth. He shares insights on bridging theory with real-life experiences, emphasizing the importance of local conflicts in fostering societal change. Joined by journalist Wu Qi, they discuss the transformative power of public engagement and how various institutions shape intellectual discourse. The talk touches on the need to remember collective traumas while navigating ambition and uncertainty in everyday life.