Scholar-activists in an expanding European food sovereignty movement. Issue 4 (7th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duncan, Jessica; Claeys, Priscilla; Rivera-Ferre, Marta G.; Oteros-Rozas, Elisa; Van Dyck, Barbara; Plank, Christina; Desmarais, Annette Aurélie
• Is Part Of: Journal of peasant studies. Volume 48:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 875
• Page End: 900
• Publication Date: 2021-06-07
• Subjects: Constituencies -- food sovereignty -- Nyéléni Europe -- participation -- scholar-activist -- social movements -- researcher engagement; Peasantry -- Periodicals; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; 305.563305
• DOI: 10.1080/03066150.2019.1675646
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6150

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article analyzes the roles, relations, and positions of scholar-activists in the European food sovereignty movement. In doing so, we document, make visible and question the political dimensions of researchers' participation in the movement. We argue that scholar-activists are part of the movement, but are distinct from the affected constituencies, put in place to ensure adequate representation of key movement actors. This is because scholar-activists lack a collective identity, have no processes to formulate collective demands, and no mechanisms for inter-researcher and researchers-movement communication. We reflect on whether and how scholar-activists could organize, and discuss possible pathways for a more cohesive and stronger researcher engagement in the movement.