ABSTRACT

What is the role of research in the context of social movements and social change? What role does research have in shaping public perceptions of the social problems and social issues addressed by social movements? Does research have any relationship to social movements, to social change and to the activities of the state? If so, what is that relationship and what impact does such work have upon the progress of social change? There are those who would say that research has and/or should have no impact on the ‘real’ world; that researchers are isolated in ivory towers cut off from the rest of society; or, that, at best, research produces knowledge only for others in academia. On the other hand, there are those who maintain that knowledge gained through research can and should shape the policies and practices subsequently designed to guide and direct social life. Among researchers there are differing views about applicability and relevance. One position is that research can and should remain apart from all social and political considerations as an objective, value-free, technical activity uncontaminated by any form of contact with the world in which it is produced. Another position is that research is constructed within and is affected by the context of the world in which it exists, and that it enters into the arena of social and political change. A more extreme position of the latter is that research not only enters into the arena of social change but should, in fact, direct such activity.