An exploration and extension of churchman's insights: Towards the tackling of racial discrimination as a world problem

Abstract

Churchman's argument concerning the link between human inquiry and action is explored in this chapter in the context of considering a variety of approaches to the study of intergroup bias in social relations. I argue that there are ways in which the study hereof might itself serve to perpetuate group thinking (and attendant practices) in the social fabric. Researchers should be more alert to this as a possible consequence of their inquiries, as such thinking may not be amenable to addressing the world problem of racial discrimination. Possibilities for making theoretical and practical provision for indeed tackling this world problem are explored in the chapter. The discussion highlights, extends and endorses Churchman's considerations regarding the importance of our embracing an ethic of (global) good, kindness and care into our way of both knowing and being so as not to become complicit in the perpetuation of racism. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.