Colette Cann and Eric Demeulenaere, "The Activist Academic: Engaged Scholarship for Resistance, Hope and Social Change" (Myers Education Press, 2020)
Mar 24, 2024
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Discover how activist academics challenge traditional norms in academia, emphasizing authenticity, vulnerability, and relational aspects. Explore their roles in reshaping academia, promoting social justice impact, and empowering marginalized communities. Learn about the transformative power of theory, the joy of authentic academic work, and the importance of collective initiatives for social change.
Combining academic responsibilities with activist work promotes authentic connections and meaningful social change in academia.
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in scholarly writing challenges traditional norms and inspires others to share genuine narratives.
Deep dives
Challenging the Traditional Academic Space
The authors reflect on their journey as aspiring activists in academia. They discuss the challenges they faced as Assistant Professors, transitioning into academia while feeling the need to maintain their activist efforts. The authors emphasize the importance of combining their academic responsibilities, such as research, teaching, and service, with meaningful activist work that directly contributes to social change. The book they co-authored, 'The Activist Academic,' stemmed from authentic conversations that sustained their commitment to impactful work beyond conventional academic expectations.
Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability in Academic Writing
The authors highlight the significance of authenticity in academic writing, sharing personal stories and perspectives that challenge traditional norms. They emphasize the importance of vulnerability and honesty in scholarly work, rejecting sanitized versions of themselves and their experiences to promote genuine connections with readers. By bringing their whole selves into their writing and addressing personal struggles and growth, they aim to inspire others to embrace their authenticity in academia.
Theory as a Tool for Social Change
The authors discuss the transformative power of theory in shaping perspectives and driving social change. They view theory as a means to challenge dominant narratives, rethink traditional academic roles, and envision alternative solutions to social issues. By engaging with theory, they aim to disrupt existing structures and narratives, encouraging critical reflection and action to address social inequalities effectively. Through theorizing the problems and solutions present, they advocate for a deeper understanding of social dynamics to drive meaningful change.
Creating Space for Activist Scholarship
The authors advocate for creating inclusive spaces in academia where activist scholarship is valued and encouraged. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, accountability, and forgiveness in academic endeavors, fostering a culture of love that empowers scholars to bring their true selves and perspectives into their work. By challenging traditional academic spaces, the authors aim to make room for diverse voices and perspectives, allowing for a more inclusive and impactful academic community that prioritizes social justice and community engagement.
How can traditional academic scholarship be disrupted by activist academics? How can we make space for those who are underrepresented and historically oppressed to come to academia as their authentic selves? How can the platform of academia create space for change in the world? In The Activist Academic: Engaged Scholarship for Resistance, Hope and Social Change(Myers Education Press: 2020), Professor Colette N. Cann and Professor Eric J. DeMeulenarare answer these questions. Their work challenges dominant frameworks of what it is to be an academic. They challenge readers to think about their responsibility as academics, and their role not just as researchers and teachers, but as parents, friends and members of the community. This book should be compulsory reading for for all scholars, and those that aspire to enter academia. It provides the opportunity to rethink the ways that activism and scholarship can be combined, and the impact that academics have in the spaces that they work.
Professor Colette N. Cann is the Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Advancement and Professor in the School of Education at the University of San Francisco.
Professor Eric DeMeulenaere is a Professor of Education, Director of Community, Youth, & Education Studies and Director of Comparative Race & Ethnic Studies at Clark University.