Communicating Civically Engaged Research as Resistance and Community Empowerment

• In Event: Cutting Edge Community Empowerment through Civically Engaged Research: A Roundtable Discussion and Panel

Abstract

In response to multiple global political crises, political science has witnessed a transformative reckoning, compelling scholars to critically reassess their methodologies and engagement with marginalized communities. This shift challenges the longstanding tradition of detached neutrality in political science research, urging a departure from ostensibly positivist stances that contribute to societal asymmetries. The emergence of Civically Engaged Research (CER) signifies a departure from conventional paradigms within academia. Despite advancements in inclusive research practices, persistent disparities exist, particularly in the treatment of research conducted by minoritized scholars and the marginalization of communities as equal producers of knowledge. This article advocates for a more equitable communication of research within CER as a form of resistance and to return knowledge production power back to community members. I propose two methods: collaborative knowledge-sharing efforts with community members and the promotion of first-hand accounts by marginalized and racialized scholars. Equitable communication is underscored in the context of migration and border politics, where historical and contemporary migrant dehumanization persists through academic language and representation. The article concludes with a call for systemic change, advocating for a departure from the "publish and perish" mentality that impedes scholars from engaging in ethical communication of research with non-academic audiences.

Author

• Estefania Castaneda Perez, UCLA