Separating Social Science Research on Activism from Social Science as Activism. (3rd June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kende, Anna
• Editors: McGarty, Craig; Kende, Anna; Curtin, Nicola
• Is Part Of: Journal of social issues. Volume 72:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 399
• Page End: 412
• Publication Date: 2016-06-03
• Subjects: Social problems -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Sociology; Psychology, Social; Problèmes sociaux -- Périodiques; Psychologie sociale -- Périodiques; États-Unis -- Conditions sociales -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Sociale psychologie; Electronic journals; 305
• DOI: 10.1111/josi.12172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4537

Abstract

Abstract : This special issue illustrates that for a better understanding of activism, we need to look at activities that differ from one another in their means and goals. As the topic is inherently politically contentious, reflection on what, why, and how we study activism becomes especially important. Drawing on the findings of the studies in this special issue, this concluding article outlines five propositions for areas of self‐reflection from scientific and policy perspectives. The propositions touch on (a) broadening the scope of activism research to include movements with politically antagonistic goals, (b) the importance of examining activities that contest the social structure as well as those that work within the system by providing support and services, (c) the necessity of testing traditional theories of activism in a technologically changing context, (d) endorsing methodological plurality in activism research, and finally (e) researchers' responsibilities for the practical implications of their findings.