#Colonialism #MilkResearch #SustainableFutures #ScienceMuseum #Archaeology #Podcasting #RacialPolitics #BritishResearch
A new academic endeavor titled “Milking it: colonialism, heritage and everyday engagement with dairy” has been initiated by the University of Oxford’s History of Science Museum, aiming to delve deep into milk’s intricate ties with colonialism. Spearheaded by JC Niala, the museum’s leading researcher, and Johanna Zetterström Sharp, an associate professor of archaeology at the University College London, the project is set to explore milk’s societal and historical significances. The funding for this insightful investigation comes from the taxpayers’ pockets, courtesy of the British Arts and Humanities Research Council. This groundbreaking research attempts to peel back the layers of milk’s cultural and political narratives, examining its role in the scientific knowledge production and the lingering impact of colonial legacies on contemporary issues.
The methodology of the project is as innovative as its subject matter, utilizing milk diaries, archival research, and participatory podcasting to weave together a comprehensive story of milk’s place in history and society. The researchers will extend their inquiry to include both consumers and producers in Britain and Kenya, aiming to build an extensive network of stakeholders in the dairy discourse. By focusing on the political dimensions of milk, Niala and Sharp endeavor to challenge existing perceptions and spark a dialogue on the everyday substance’s overlooked aspects. Their research not only revisits the past connections of milk with colonialism but also engages with its present-day role in global nutrition and economy.
This project marks a significant step toward understanding the complexities of milk beyond its nutritional value, investigating its associations with race, purity, and the politics of diet and nutrition. Previously, in a panel discussion hosted by the Wellcome Collection in London, Sharp discussed the concept of “Milk and Whiteness,” highlighting the racialized politics surrounding milk consumption and its implications. Through this innovative research, Niala and Sharp hope to pioneer new methodologies for examining human relationships with milk throughout history. Their ultimate objective is to glean lessons from the past and current global forces shaping milk to chart a course toward more sustainable and equitable futures in dairy production and consumption. Such academic inquiries into everyday substances like milk underscore the broader social, economic, and political undercurrents that influence our daily lives and dietary habits, shedding light on the often unexplored connections between food, history, and society.
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