The Dilemmas of a Dissident Intellectual and Inadequate Activist
The Emerald International Handbook of Activist Criminology
ISBN: 978-1-80262-200-3, eISBN: 978-1-80262-199-0
Publication date: 9 August 2023
Abstract
This chapter presents the personal experiences of an activist researcher. It describes the role of activism in Gaborit’s trajectory from being a student research assistant, through PhD candidate to postdoctoral fellow, and finally, to breaking with academia. This chapter discusses the inherent contradictions of working against hegemonic structures that enable social harm, from within the hegemonic and hierarchical structures of academia. Further, it explores the specific dilemmas encountered through several participatory action research projects, which were aimed at pushing for social change while also answering the demands of academia. Finally, this chapter presents the factors the activist academic must consider when reflecting upon their own role. Factors, which compelled Gaborit to leave academia to preserve her integrity and be an activist in her spare time.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
I extend my deepest gratitude to the activists who have put up with my academic ways of going about things. Many of them have now been forced to flee or face imprisonment under the military junta in Myanmar because of their activism. They have taught me the most valuable lessons, only some of which I have managed to share through academic writings. As I now leave academia, I humbly join your ranks to push for peace and democracy in Myanmar.
Citation
Gaborit, L.S. (2023), "The Dilemmas of a Dissident Intellectual and Inadequate Activist", Canning, V., Martin, G. and Tombs, S. (Ed.) The Emerald International Handbook of Activist Criminology (Emerald Studies in Activist Criminology), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 421-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-199-020231028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023 Liv S. Gaborit