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Similar to 2 Social Enquiry in Research 2.1. Social Enquiry and relevance of research for the future 2.2. Equity, Justice, Inclusivity 2.3. Purpose of Social and Common Good 2.4. Research Ethics, Social Responsibility, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2
2 Social Enquiry in Research 2.1. Social Enquiry and relevance of research for the future 2.2. Equity, Justice, Inclusivity 2.3. Purpose of Social and Common Good 2.4. Research Ethics, Social Responsibility, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2
- 1. Social Enquiry in Research:Building a Just and Sustainable Future Exploring how research can transform society through equity, justice, and purposeful innovation for generations to come.
- 2. Understanding Social Enquiry:What Makes Research Socially Relevant? The Essence of Social Enquiry Social enquiry represents a systematic investigation into the human condition, examining how societies function, evolve, and address collective challenges. It bridges the gap between academic pursuit and real-world impact. Research becomes socially relevant when it addresses pressing societal needs, gives voice to marginalised communities, and produces actionable knowledge that can drive positive change.
- 3. The Future-Forward Lens:How Research Shapes Tomorrow's Society Research serves as a powerful tool for anticipating and shaping our collective future. By examining current trends, challenges, and opportunities, researchers illuminate pathways towards more sustainable and equitable societies. Anticipating Challenges Identifying emerging social, environmental, and technological issues before they become crises, enabling proactive rather than reactive responses. Innovating Solutions Developing evidence-based interventions and policies that address complex societal problems with creativity and rigour. Building Resilience Strengthening communities' capacity to adapt and thrive amidst change, uncertainty, and disruption through informed decision-making. Creating Legacy Ensuring our research contributions leave a positive, lasting impact for future generations to build upon and benefit from.
- 4. Equity in Research:Ensuring Fair Representation and Access Breaking Down Barriers Research equity demands that all communities—regardless of socioeconomic status, geography, caste, gender, or ability—have equal opportunities to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from research endeavours. True equity requires actively dismantling systemic barriers that have historically excluded marginalised voices from the research process. 1 2
- 5. Justice as aResearch Imperative: Addressing Systemic Inequalities Research justice means confronting and transforming the power structures, biases, and inequalities embedded within research systems themselves. Recognising Injustice Identifying how research has historically perpetuated discrimination, exploitation, and knowledge extraction from vulnerable communities. Redistributing Power Shifting decision-making authority to include community voices in research design, implementation, and knowledge ownership. Repairing Harm Actively working to address past research harms and building trust through ethical, respectful, and reciprocal partnerships. Justice-oriented research challenges us to question whose knowledge counts, who benefits from research, and how we can use inquiry as a tool for liberation rather than oppression.
- 6. Inclusivity in Practice:Diverse Voices, Diverse Perspectives The Strength of Diversity Inclusive research recognises that knowledge is enriched when multiple perspectives, experiences, and ways of knowing are valued and integrated. This means actively seeking out and centring voices that have been historically marginalised. Amplifying Marginalised Voices Creating platforms for Dalit communities, indigenous groups, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and other Honouring Multiple Epistemologies Recognising the validity of traditional knowledge systems, indigenous wisdom, and non-Western ways of understanding the Building Participatory Partnerships Engaging communities as co-researchers and knowledge creators rather than merely as subjects or data sources, fostering genuine
- 7. Research for theCommon Good: Beyond Academic Excellence Public Value Creation Research must extend beyond citations and publications to create tangible benefits for society— improving health outcomes, strengthening education, protecting the environment, and enhancing quality of life for all. Knowledge as a Public Resource Treating research findings as public goods that should be freely accessible, understandable, and usable by policymakers, practitioners, and communities rather than locked behind paywalls. 1 Identify Community Needs Through genuine dialogue and needs assessment 2 Co-Design Research With community input and partnership 3 Conduct Ethical Inquiry With respect and cultural sensitivity 4 Share Knowledge In accessible, actionable formats 5 Support Implementation For lasting community impact
- 8. Serving Society: ResearchThat Creates Real-World Impact From Insight to Action Socially purposeful research bridges the gap between discovery and application. It transforms academic insights into practical interventions that address pressing challenges—from climate adaptation strategies to healthcare innovations to educational reforms. Key Impact Pathways Informing evidence-based policy and programme design Empowering communities with actionable knowledge Training the next generation of socially conscious researchers Building institutional capacity for sustainable change
- 9. Research Ethics andSocial Responsibility: Our Moral Compass Ethical research extends far beyond obtaining informed consent. It requires a deep commitment to respecting human dignity, minimising harm, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining integrity throughout the research process. Protecting Participants Safeguarding the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of research participants, especially vulnerable populations, through robust ethical protocols and ongoing risk assessment. Transparency and Integrity Maintaining honesty in data collection, analysis, and reporting whilst acknowledging limitations, conflicts of interest, and potential biases in research. Cultural Sensitivity Respecting diverse cultural values, traditions, and knowledge systems whilst adapting research approaches to honour local contexts and social norms. Environmental Stewardship Considering the environmental impact of research activities and striving to minimise ecological harm whilst contributing to sustainability goals.
- 10. Aligning Research withthe Sustainable Development Goals: A Path Forward The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide a comprehensive framework for addressing humanity's most pressing challenges. Research aligned with the SDGs contributes to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world by 2030. Quality Education (SDG 4) Research on inclusive pedagogy, digital learning, and educational equity for all Gender Equality (SDG 5) Studies addressing gender discrimination, women's empowerment, and inclusive policies Clean Water (SDG 6) Innovations in water purification, sanitation systems, and resource management Climate Action (SDG 13) Research on climate adaptation, mitigation strategies, and resilient communities Our Collective Responsibility As researchers, we have both the privilege and the responsibility to ensure our work contributes to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future. By centring equity, justice, and social purpose in our enquiry, we can help build the world we wish to see.
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