Participation, Praxis and Policy:
Understanding and Contributing to Society and Economy

NUI Maynooth, 21 - 25 June 2010

The annual Irish Social Sciences Platform (ISSP) summer school is an interdisciplinary residential course that brings together students from Ireland and beyond, who are based in the social sciences, business and the humanities. The aim of the summer school is to explore contemporary debates, examine theory, praxis and methodology, in a pedagogically rich environment designed to stimulate and challenge students and staff. This year's theme is participation, praxis and policy and, through interactive student presentations, lively debates, plenary sessions and fieldtrips, participants will examine the broad ways in which academia seeks to engage with and contribute to society and economy. Key issues and questions that the summer school will explore include:

  • What constitutes effective participation?
  • How should contemporary debates about participation, relating to citizenship, democracy, consultation, advocacy, activism, and cooperation inform the research process?
  • Can research meet the needs of multiple stakeholders?
  • Does participation have a role to play in creating sustainable communities, promoting a balanced development agenda and building a knowledge economy?
  • How can we, as academic researchers, engage in policy debates and seek to influence public and political opinion?
  • How can we compare and evaluate participatory and action research methodologies and their 'fit' to a research / project proposal?
  • Should policy influence praxis? Or praxis influence policy? Is there a natural order? Can the divide between qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the social sciences be effectively bridged?
    • Participants will critically examine epistemological and theoretical ways of knowing, participating in, and researching the social world and social issues. The summer school will be delivered by staff from across the Irish Social Sciences Platform as well as international guests.

    Credits: 5 ECTS credits; 3 American Credits