Virtuous mess and wicked clarity:struggle in higher education research

McArthur, Jan (2012) Virtuous mess and wicked clarity:struggle in higher education research. Higher Education Research and Development, 31 (3). pp. 419-430. ISSN 0729-4360

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Abstract

This article considers the value of clarity – of theory, method and purposes – in educational research. It draws upon the work of early critical theorist, Theodor Adorno, and particularly his notion of negative dialectics and his challenge to the traditional dichotomy of theory and practice. Using the notions of virtuous mess and wicked clarity, I argue that we need to accept the messy, contingent nature of the social world we research. I further suggest that it then follows that such research can and should influence and change that world. The researcher is necessarily part of the world she researches and, once one accepts that, it is hard to sustain ethical or political isolation; it is hard to ignore the struggle.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Higher Education Research and Development
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3304
Subjects:
?? ADORNONEGATIVE DIALECTICSNON-IDENTITYSOCIAL JUSTICERESEARCH METHODSEDUCATION ??
ID Code:
68792
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
04 Mar 2014 12:01
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
16 Sep 2023 01:03