'In Pursuit of Invisible Heroes and Heroines': The Role of Cultural Anthropologists in Civil Society in Miskolc, Hungary

As part of the international Erasmus project, YOUTH INC. – Invisible Heroes, threeHungarian groups are working to showcase local community figures who quietly work behindthe scenes every day to build society. One of these groups is led by Veronika Lajos andcomprises cultural anthropology students from the University of Miskolc, Hungary, includingthree undergraduates and one postgraduate. The group's goal is to create a virtual memorial topay tribute to the invisible heroes of Miskolc.A central question of the project is what it actually means to be a hero. This concept hashistorically evolved and can be interpreted in many ways. While the group members could notagree on a single definition applicable to all situations, they decided that they wanted tohonour individuals who build small communities in Miskolc on a daily basis. This led us torecognise that practicing anthropologists, that is cultural anthropologists working in the civilsphere, are invisible heroes themselves: through their work, they support the creation andfunctioning of local communities by applying their cultural anthropological perspective andknowledge.We conducted in-depth interviews with practicing anthropologists in Miskolc, exploring theirlife paths, professional commitment, and how their work and anthropological approachcontributes to understanding and solving local socio-cultural problems. The research teamquickly realised that, although often unknown to the wider public, these professionals performindispensable work. As reflective observers, interpreters and mediators, they play an active,albeit often invisible, role in organising and building local communities.These interviews formed the basis of our virtual memorial. In a short, personal portrait, wepresent the life and work of each anthropologist, touching on the key activities of the civilsociety organisation. This illustrates what it means to be a practicing anthropologist today.Conversely, we demonstrate how cultural anthropology can contribute to the exploration,understanding, and development of long-term solutions to contemporary issues such ascommunity development, local cultural programmes, social awareness, attitude formation,conflict resolution, and the fostering of a deeper understanding of one another and the world.Our virtual memorial is a tribute to all the dedicated professionals — includinganthropologists, social workers, teachers and sociologists — who enrich community life inMiskolc through their work. They help small communities to form and function, supportingsocial cohesion. They are the invisible heroes who live among us, and we are giving you theopportunity to get to know them.Semi-structured interviews with practicing anthropologists were conducted in March 2025 byAntónia Koncz, Dávid Lajos, Veronika Lajos, Anna Szathmári and Szimonetta Szendi.