New JAF Issue Explores Power, Safety, and Performance in Folklore
The latest issue of JAF: A Global Quarterly (Vol. 138, no. 549) is set to arrive in subscribers' mailboxes and online platforms this summer. This edition presents a diverse range of essays and articles that tackle complex issues in the field of public folklore, reflecting on challenges, safety, power dynamics, and cultural performances amidst changing social and political contexts.
Among the notable pieces is an essay by Sarah M. Gordon and others that discusses the challenges and intricacies of community-institutional partnerships in folklore. Meanwhile, Mathilde Frances Lind reflects on the safety of folklorists in the field and proposes a comprehensive safety tool kit to ensure their well-being.
A unique contribution comes from a team of researchers who have created a liberatory harm reduction comic, developed in collaboration with sex workers and people who use drugs. This innovative approach aims to address and support these communities' specific needs.
The issue also features an article by Kalrav Vashishtha and Tulika Chandra that delves into the power dynamics within North Indian women's folk songs, offering a fresh perspective on cultural narratives. Additionally, an essay by John Fenn and Michelle Stefano explores the impacts and sustainability of the Community Collections Grant program, providing valuable insights into its effectiveness.
Personal experiences are shared through Carla Steven's essay, 'A Reflection of What My Folklore Training Brings to My Work in Refugee and Immigrant Services'. Similarly, Deeksha Nagar describes her use of folklore training to understand and engage with refugee and immigrant life stories.
Five Perspectives essays further enrich the issue by addressing complex topics in public folklore, while Zahra Abedinezhad's article explores the mixed affect of joy and mourning in Iranian lament performances, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural expressions.
The Summer 2025 issue of JAF: A Global Quarterly promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful read, with its exploration of gender, performance, and power dynamics in folklore. Subscribers and online readers can look forward to these compelling discussions and more, as the journal continues to push the boundaries of folklore studies.
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