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Making a Difference: Linking Sociological Research and Action for Social Justice
Margaret Abraham
President, International Sociological Association
Professor of Sociology, Hofstra University
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 justicewithin 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 sociologiststo draw upon their research and practices, theoretical frameworks and
methodologiesforcontouring 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 TheNew York Times, ChicagoTribune, Newsday and
India Abroad.
Email: [email protected]
http://margaretabrahamonline.com
http://www.isa-sociology.org/