Abstract: In a violent, unequal and divided world, striving for social justice seems an immensely challenging endeavor. Although the issues vary in their manifestations in different contexts, at its core social justice is premised on the principle that every human being matters, that every person has the right to equality and fundamental liberties, to security and dignity. As sociologists interested in civil society, and given the interdisciplinary scope of our discipline, we are well situated to address issues of social justice. This presentation will focus on how sociologists can make a difference by linking research and activism for social justice within and across contexts. It considers the role and responsibility of sociologists to generate and share knowledge and to engage in collective action for social change. Some of the successes, challenges, possibilities and pitfalls in linking research and activism for social justice will be shared. The aim of this presentation is not to provide an array of solutions. Rather, it is to explore ways to collaborate and coordinate a diverse global network of sociologists to draw upon their research and practices, theoretical frameworks and methodologies for contouring a more just world. The role of the International Sociological Association as an intellectual and organizational space for such dialogue, debate and action will be discussed.
Margaret Abraham is Professor of Sociology at Hofstra University and the President of the International Sociological Association (ISA 2014-2018). Her teaching and research interests include gender, globalization, immigration and domestic violence. She has published in various journals and is the author of the award winning book Speaking the Unspeakable: Marital Violence Among South Asian Immigrants in the United States (Rutgers University Press 2000). Her co-edited book and special volumes include, Contours of Citizenship: Women, Diversity and the Practices of Citizenship (Ashgate 2010); Making a Difference: Linking Research and Action (Current Sociology, Monograph Series, April 2012), Interrogating Gender, Violence, and the State in National and Transnational Contexts (Current Sociology, July 2016). She is working on an edited book on Sociology and Social Justice in the 21st Century (under contract). Margaret has been involved in research and activism for more than 25 years. She serves on community board organizations, journal editorial boards and has been an advisory board member and consultant on national projects addressing violence against women. She has been honored for her community action research by community-based and academic organizations. Her work has been profiled and quoted in the media, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday and India Abroad.
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Making a Difference: Linking Sociological Research and Action for Social Justice
