Remaking Research Tools: Toward Transforming Systems of Inequality through Social Science Research

Abstract

This commentary takes up the question raised by Socius editor Adam Gamoran regarding the role of social scientists in reducing inequalities. Gamoran asks, “Can we make changes to existing practices or do we need radical reconstruction?” In considering Gamoran’s question and two springboard articles published in the special collection, the author considers three questions: First, does the field truly understand enough about the causes of inequalities to be sure that the solutions generated are appropriate? Second, what does it mean to assess the feasibility of solutions within a system that operates on the assumption that inequalities are part and parcel of its economic and social systems? Finally, how do social scientists think about the power of their research to make transformational change, when current strategies operate inside existing systems of power and inequality? After musing on these questions, the author offer a few suggestions for remaking our research to foster systems transformation.