(IMAESCII521) Research as a site for social action and change: A Course Reflection

Reading a number of research articles employing different research methodologies, and a critical engagement in this module made me recognise the enormous power and privilege of researchers. That being said, that power - when written for and shared with the community constructs meanings that will be useful for understanding various phenomena. 

Research has the capability to represent the voices of the marginalised, oppressed and underrepresented sectors of our societies and communities. A transformative research is also a transformative dialogue with the community where the researcher is able to analyse and classify information that enables the community to take part and promote social action. 

My reflection on this module is divided into three (3) parts:

1. The first video outlines some of the emerging and existing debates and salient interrelated concept that have drawn my attention. The uniqueness of individual worldviews, criticality (research as a site of critique), challenging hegemony of knowledge, and the positionality and territoriality of the researcher in the learning sphere were underscored, giving emphasis on why research is not just an academic requirement; but a space for discourse as well. Position-making is risk-taking. One cannot be wishy-washy with things, positions are based on experiences and journey and not just echoing what scholars have already stated about it. (3:09 minutes)

2. The second video reflects on some of my critical views and metaphors that I associated with my engagement on the different research methods. Indeed, research can be a site of power struggle and power relations, research as an interrogation of privileges and a site of discourse and dialogue. (2:17 minutes)

3. The third video reflects on how I see research plays a major factor in promoting social action and change. Our choices of methodology, the technicality and visuality of research, and the applicability of research to address social problems could be possible with a good set of instruments, theoretical/conceptual framework and logical analysis and presentation of data. 

I could not think anymore of other reasons why I should still be afraid. I know that research is an exercise of my positionality to challenge existing worldviews and contribute to social change through knowledge. (3:00 minutes)

In conclusion, I can think of research as a site of hope - by promoting the position of the marginalised, powerless and voiceless individuals and communities.