What Do Folklorists Do?

Folklorists work in a wide variety of settings and in a wide variety of modes!

For instance, some are scholars, teachers, and librarians at colleges and universities; some are public humanists working in arts and cultural organizations; and some are community members involved in the work of sharing and preserving the folk and traditional arts throughout the United States.

For this reason, folklorists are particularly well-positioned to comment on a vast array of contemporary and historical issues including:

  • Chants, songs and slogans at political rallies and protests
  • Traditions of diverse ethnic groups in the U.S. and around the world
  • Holiday origins, practices, and traditions, both sacred and secular
  • Beliefs in conspiracy theories, contemporary legends, and the supernatural
  • Religious expressions in public and private spaces
  • Public policies that impact historically marginalized communities such as issues of poverty, healthcare, education, and immigration.
  • Social media trends, viral videos, and internet memes
  • Historical and contemporary figures that embody national, regional, and ethnic folk identities

You can find recent publications of folklore research, folklore news, and many more resources on the AFS website.

Here is a sample of recent projects and some organizations devoted to advancing work in this field. To find more about individuals’ work, search Find an Expert.

Some Recent Folklore Projects

These are some projects folklorists and folklore organizations have taken on recently. For a more comprehensive list, see the National Folklife Project Directory.

Some Regional Organizations

These organizations serve broad regions in the U.S. But there are many more! Check out our searchable directory of 80+ Public Programs and Folklore Societies listed by state.

Some National Organizations

Some International Organizations

Learn more about a folklorist’s work in What Folklorists Do: Professional Possibilities in Folklore Studies

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