Triumphs and Tribulations: Understanding Academia as a Site for Social Activism

Kirwan, Jordan (2023) Triumphs and Tribulations: Understanding Academia as a Site for Social Activism. Doctoral thesis, SETU Waterford.

Text Jordan Kirwan PhD Thesis (Formatted and Corrected).pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

This PhD project explores academia as a site for activism in Ireland. By investigating the experiences of permanent and precarious academic-activists at varying career stages, this study considers the impact of the political, social and economic environment; its influence on the institutional environment and how these impact an individual’s experience of academic-activism and academic freedom. This is accomplished through two core studies which inform best practice guidelines and recommendations for academic-activism within a Participatory Action Research methodology. Study One involved administering an online survey which explores the perspectives of Irish academic-activists in relation to the influences of external environments on academic-activist engagement. Through a mixed-method research approach, participant insights informed the development of a scale instrument, offering a foundation for future investigations in other studies related to academic-activism, as well as the interview guide for the subsequent study. This study highlighted how external environments, especially in the case of working-class academics and women, influenced their experiences of academic-activism. For Study Two, academics engaging with activism were interviewed so as to gather in-depth insight into their lived experience as an academic-activist. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, the findings from this study reveal both the benefits (e.g. the capacity to effect real-life change) and costs (e.g. career progression) of academic-activism. These findings were connected to individual motivations rooted in personal experiences and the barriers imposed by institutional constraints, encompassing precarious contracts and the lack of recognition for activist work within academia. A triangulation of these findings was then utilised to inform best practice guidelines and recommendations (final chapter). The guidelines offer practical strategies for individual academic-activists to navigate personal challenges, from challenging negative perceptions to maintaining work-life balance. In contrast, the policy recommendations target institutional stakeholders, providing actionable steps to support academic-activism by eradicating precarious work, promoting collaboration and valuing diverse forms of activism within academia. The overall project contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricacies of academic-activism and its vital role in the pursuit of social justice within academia.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Social activism
Departments or Groups:	*NONE OF THESE*
Divisions:	School of Humanities > Department of Applied Arts
Depositing User:	Derek Langford
Date Deposited:	21 Oct 2024 12:56
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2024 12:56
URI:	https://repository.wit.ie/id/eprint/7842

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