Call for Special Issue: Research as Activism

Special issue Theme:  Research as Activism

Guest Editors:

Dr. E. Kilinc (Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University)

Dr. A. Eizadirad (Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University)

Dr. J. Straub (Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University)

The Journal of Culture and Values in Education (JCVE) is pleased to announce a forthcoming special issue focused on the theme of "Research as Activism."

"Research as Activism" is the fusion of scholarly inquiry with intentional advocacy and action. It transcends academic exploration by actively challenging systemic inequalities and injustices, engaging marginalized communities, and driving tangible social change. It embodies a commitment to using research methodologies, epistemologies, findings, and dissemination to dismantle oppressive structures, promote justice, and empower and centre voices often unheard, dismissed, silenced, or marginalized in traditional academic discourse.

In the last decades, there has been a growing recognition of the transformative power of research when aligned with activism, advocating for social change, equity, and justice in education. There are many new contexts to explore such complex issues such as the intersection of education and students’ needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various regional, national and global wars and conflicts, among other events.

This special issue aims to delve into the intersection between scholarly inquiry and activism, exploring how research initiatives can serve as vehicles for societal transformation and bring about tangible impacts in educational practices and policies.

The Journal of Culture and Values in Education (JCVE) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access academic e-journal dedicated to cultural and educational research. The journal strives to disseminate original research findings that substantially contribute to various aspects of education, encompassing culture and values across diverse societies. The main aim of the JCVE is to foster and highlight the scholarly work of academic researchers in humanities, cultural studies, and education. Note: There is no publication fee for this special issue.

We invite scholars, activists, and practitioners to contribute to a special issue exploring the transformative power of "Research as Activism." This issue seeks to delve into the intersection of research and activism, examining how scholarly inquiry can drive societal change, challenge power structures, and foster social justice. In a world ripe with complex challenges, we aim to spotlight research that transcends academia, advocating for meaningful impact and tangible outcomes. We welcome diverse perspectives and methodologies that showcase the fusion of research and activism across various disciplines with a particular focus on educational implications.

Guiding Questions for Abstract Submission:

How does your research redefine traditional academic boundaries to drive social change?

In what ways does your work challenge existing power dynamics and promote equity and justice?

What methodologies or frameworks do you employ to integrate activism into your research?

How does your research engage with marginalized or underrepresented communities?

What concrete actions, case studies, or outcomes have emerged from your research as a form of activism?

How does your work address systemic issues or structural inequalities?

What ethical considerations guide your approach to research as activism?

How do you navigate potential tensions between scholarly rigor and activist engagement?

What lessons can others learn from your experiences in blending research and activism?

How does your research contribute to ongoing dialogues or movements for social transformation?

Abstract Submission Instructions:

Authors are invited to submit a 300-word abstract addressing the theme of "Research as Activism" incorporating responses to the guiding questions. With your submission provide a brief 200-word biography outlining relevant lived experiences, professional background, and any activism or research that aligns with the special issue's focus.

 Required information: Name, Affiliation, Abstract (up to 300 word), bio (up to 200 words) and 5 keywords

 Submission Deadline: January 15, 2024

 Acceptance Decisions: February 15, 2024

 Full article submissions (6000 words maximum inclusive of references): March 31, 2024

Before submission, please review the Author's Guidelines 

https://cultureandvalues.org/index.php/JCV/author-guidelines

Expected publication date of the issue: May 2024

Submit abstracts and biographies combined into one file to: ekilinc@wlu.ca

Join us in shaping discourse and action at the nexus of research and activism, fostering a more just and equitable world through scholarly inquiry centering research as activism.