Critical Engagement with Public Sociology: A Perspective from the Global South

This book explores the evolution of critical engagement in South Africa and offers a Southern critique of Michael Burawoy's model of public sociology, involving four generations of researchers from the Global South.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The concept of public sociology, as envisioned by Michael Burawoy, draws inspiration from the sociological practice known as 'critical engagement' prevalent in South Africa. This comprehensive volume delves into the evolution of critical engagement before and after Burawoy's visit to South Africa in the 1990s, offering a Southern critique of his model of public sociology. Spanning four generations of researchers from the Global South, the authors undertake a multifaceted exploration of the processes that shape the formation of new knowledge through research practices of co-production. By tracing the historical development of 'critical engagement from a Global South perspective, the book skillfully weaves a bridge between the discussions on public sociology and decolonial frameworks, enriching our understanding of these critical domains.

Introduction:
Public sociology, as proposed by Michael Burawoy, emerges as a response to the need for a more inclusive and socially relevant approach to sociological inquiry. Burawoy's vision was shaped by his experiences in South Africa, where he witnessed the transformative power of critical engagement in addressing social inequality and promoting social change. In this volume, we explore the evolution of critical engagement before and after Burawoy's visit to South Africa in the 1990s, with a particular focus on its Southern critique.

Critical Engagement in South Africa:
Critical engagement in South Africa is a sociological practice that involves researchers actively engaging with their research subjects and communities. It emphasizes the importance of building relationships of trust, respect, and collaboration, which are essential for meaningful and impactful research. Critical engagement seeks to challenge dominant narratives, power structures, and inequalities, and to promote social justice and equity.

Burawoy's Visit to South Africa:
Burawoy's visit to South Africa in the 1990s was a significant turning point in the development of public sociology. During his visit, Burawoy witnessed firsthand the impact of critical engagement on social transformation and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Inspired by this experience, Burawoy sought to incorporate critical engagement into his model of public sociology, emphasizing the importance of researcher-community partnerships and the creation of knowledge through collaborative processes.

Evolution of Critical Engagement:
Before Burawoy's visit to South Africa, critical engagement was primarily practiced in the Global North, particularly in the United States and Europe. However, with the increasing globalization and interconnectedness of the world, critical engagement has spread to the Global South, where it has taken on new forms and meanings. In the Global South, critical engagement is often contextualized within the broader framework of decoloniality, which seeks to challenge the legacies of colonialism and promote social justice and equality.

Southern Critique of Public Sociology:
While public sociology has gained widespread recognition and adoption in many parts of the world, it has also faced criticism from the Southern perspective. One of the main concerns is that public sociology tends to prioritize the interests of the Global North and Western institutions, while neglecting the concerns and experiences of marginalized communities in the Global South. Critics argue that public sociology often fails to recognize the cultural, social, and political contexts that shape the lives of people in the Global South and that it perpetuates colonialist ideologies and power structures.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the concept of public sociology, as inspired by critical engagement in South Africa, has the potential to promote social change and address social inequality. However, it is essential to recognize the limitations and challenges of public sociology and to engage in a Southern critique that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social justice. By involving four generations of researchers from the Global South and tracing the historical development of critical engagement, this volume offers valuable insights into the formation of new knowledge through research practices of co-production.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529221152