Saad Ibrahim Memorial Roundtable: The Scholar-Activist Role in Catalyzing Social Transformation

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Discussion

Abstract

Among the legacies Saad Eddin Ibrahim contributed to the social sciences is a complex understanding of how scholarly work intersects with the work of active citizenship. Over a long career, his involvement in democratic movements across the Arab region informed and revised his scholarly writing. This memorial session will address definitions of a scholar-activist. How does it differ from one's role as a participant observer as a research method? Or as a proponent of community-engaged research? Speakers will draw on theory and personal experience to engage these questions. What are some of the potential costs and rewards of taking this career path? In interaction with the audience, speakers will explore the role of governments, academia and larger public audiences in shaping the trajectory of a scholar-activist.

References

More information to be provided.

Sub Unit

• Special Sessions

Discussants

• Asef Bayat, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

• Hania Sholkamy, American University in Cairo

• Elie Abouaoun, St Joseph University

Moderator

• Heidi Brooks, University of the Witwatersrand