de Joode, Evy (2023) Activism and Academia, a Double Edged Sword; Challenges Faced by Activist Researchers. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
This research explores the challenges faced by activist researchers in academia. A literature review establishes key concepts and definitions, followed by the collection and analyses of primary data of four semi-structured interviews with activist researchers in some way affiliated to Western European academia. The findings of this thesis predominantly align with already existing literature, highlighting challenges such as the infringement of academic freedom, peer influence, conflict with academic institutions, high workload, discrepancy in research output, and the devaluation of activist research. However, this research also presents challenges less highlighted throughout literature: e.g. mental health emerged to be a specific challenge for activist researchers. The importance of visibility of activist researchers throughout academia is another finding of this research. The hierarchical nature of academic institutions was a recurring theme throughout the research. Competitive climates and inflexible academic standards discourage activist engagement in academia. The already existing workload for academics, burnout, and the devaluation of non-academic work pose additional obstacles to activist academics. By addressing these challenges, academic institutions can possibly create a more inclusive and supportive environment to activist researchers and their impactful work. Recommendations include reducing hierarchy and dependency in academia, decreasing workload, and recognising the value of non-academic work and publications. Keyterms: activist research, activism, socially engaged research, challenges, obstacles, academic freedom, devaluation of work, mental health, hierarchy, competition, representation, visibility, ethnography, academic workload, workplace conflict, peer influence.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Name supervisor: | Emlen, N.Q. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2023 11:07 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Sep 2023 11:07 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/363 |
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