Authors:Gareth J Johnson Pages: i - xvi Abstract: This editorial provides an overview of the special issue’s contents, along with the editor’s insights into the progress towards the special issue. It celebrates the contributions by the associate editor team, as well as highlighting current calls for papers the journal has in place. Finally, it also highlights the various opportunities to engage, debate and discuss matters with Exchanges editorial team in the social sphere. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1640 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Syed Mustafa Ali, Norina Gasteiger, Yumna Masood, Angela Davies, Caroline Sanders, Emma Stanmore, Sabine N van der Veer Pages: 284 - 303 Abstract: South Asians are one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the United Kingdom. They face the multi-faceted burden of higher prevalence of long-term health conditions, worse access to health services, and poorer health outcomes. With the increase in digitally enabled health services, it is important to ensure that digital health apps are helping to address existing ethnic health inequities instead of creating new or exacerbating existing ones. Therefore, we need to engage with South Asians (SAs) early on and widen their participation in digital health research. However, there are several barriers to doing this effectively. Based on their experience of engaging with South Asians for developing and evaluating four health apps, the authors recommend technology developers and health researchers to understand the cultural context of common health behaviours of South Asians, and then consider the accessibility features of digital health apps and inclusivity of research procedures. This will contribute to making digital health research more inclusive for South Asians, and ultimately to reducing ethnic health inequities. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1566 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Anna Fancett Pages: 304 - 314 Abstract: Although belief in the ‘sage on the stage’ (the teacher as an expert standing at the front, delivering information) and tabula rasa (the student as a blank slate, ready to be written on) belongs to the distant past of outdated pedagogical theory, writing skills, especially grammar, are often treated as exceptions. This is especially the case when learners are also researchers; with pressure to produce high-quality work within tight deadlines, researchers are often expected to receive grammatical knowledge passively and replicate it promptly. This is what we sought to change. At the end of 2021, I created a series of academic writing workshops, which I have subsequently delivered to postgraduate students at Warwick University. This article provides a critical reflection of what I did, what challenges I faced, and what lessons I learned. It is hoped that this reflection will empower other academics and instructors to approach academic writing for postgraduates with confidence and integrity. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1567 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Sotaro Kita Pages: 315 - 320 Abstract: Research culture has become a growing concern for higher education institutions (HEIs) and the broader UK research community in recent years, highlighting the need for a shared language to cultivate a communal understanding essential for collective approaches to complex challenges. With this in mind, at the University of Warwick, we have devised a concise formulation – the five-adjective summary - 'happy', 'productive', 'creative', 'sound', 'open’ - to encapsulate our goals for a positive research culture. This summary can be delivered in one to two minutes to describe what good research looks like, and to introduce most topics covered by research culture. It can also act as a starting point for strategic and deeper discussion, by unpacking each adjective as required. This reflection discusses our streamlined definition of research culture based on the Royal Society's definition, our five-adjective summary of good research culture, the rationale behind its development and underlines the importance of adaptability to navigate changing perceptions of research culture. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1568 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Fiona Fisher Pages: 321 - 332 Abstract: Postdoctoral researchers are at the heart of university research. This highly motivated and talented group are ambitious and passionate about research and keen to develop an academic career. Very few achieve this call and far too many end up suffering with mental health issues, feeling used by a system where others benefit most from their efforts and that by not becoming an academic they have somehow failed. For the academy to thrive and diversify this culture has to change, and evidence is clear that investing in the training, culture and opportunities for postdoctoral researchers will yield extraordinary rewards, not only for those researchers, but for their academic managers, departments and institutions. Training, inclusion and the opportunity to develop independence are all highly valued by postdoctoral researchers but there is also a need for research funders to look at how they can be major facilitators of change. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1571 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Robert Pilling Pages: 333 - 343 Abstract: Subjective formulation of research culture drives momentum for positive person-centred change. A common articulation is one, which emphasises cultural problems arising from overemphasis of the ‘lone academic’, exploitation of ‘lesser-academics’ and invisibility of enabling roles. This article considers systemic implications of this dominant narrative for research leaders and research leadership, giving specific attention to the nature, status and visibility of knowledge and its accompanying dynamics. Two contrasting cultural formulations are considered respectively as ‘People, Process and Impact’ and ‘The Knowledge View’ with corresponding conceptual models proposed as ‘Social Benefit Factory’ and ‘Knowledge Cooperative’. Concern is raised at the apparent dominance of the factory model within research culture discourse, and a vision is presented for the development of a balancing knowledge conversation: both to engage interdisciplinary thinking on research culture, and to contribute directly to cultural discourse. Opportunities for the latter are considered briefly in relation to research leadership, objectivity and collegiality. The author attended the International Research Cultures Conference to gain a sense of the agenda and to co-locate his professional interests. This reflective response to the event is grounded in personal academic practice rather than academic specialism. It aims to invite connections and conversation. It is at the same time a preliminary conceptual inquiry into the nature and flux of academic boundaries, whether subjective, objective, practical or institutional. Funding Acknowledgement The author thanks funding for the activities and experiences, which have informed this article from the EPSRC (EP/P006892/1, EP/R025983/1 and EP/V051458/1) and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (University of Sheffield). PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1573 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Carola Boehm, Arinola Adefila, Thushari Welikala Pages: 344 - 362 Abstract: This paper makes a case for a significantly different approach to EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) interventions in the Higher Education research space, focusing on institutional, systemic unconscious biases and supporting an affirmative approach to reaching various diversity targets and aspirations. The challenge here lies in mainstream EDI interventions being generally built around a deficit model, e.g., with a focus on groups or individuals who 'need to be supported' instead of focusing on adapting institutional processes and 'ways of working' to support more equitable and inclusive cultures built into institutional processes. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1574 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Shareefa Fadhel, Gaynor Miller, Catherine Davies Pages: 363 - 382 Abstract: Evaluating research quality, environment, and impact has become standard in Higher Education (HE) and is largely based on quantitative data and expert assessments. Data-driven evaluations that focus on high-level statistics or conventional outputs can compromise the recognition of a wider range of research outputs and outcomes by a more diverse range of contributors. Hence, the mechanisms for evaluating research must be applicable and inclusive of a wide range of research activities. In contrast, research culture covers a vast breadth of areas, from career development, career pathways, reward, and recognition, to research integrity and equality. Most of these areas are not easily measurable, with capacity and capability limitations compounding the challenge. Clearly, there is a wealth of measurement options, which many research institutions are currently grappling with to best suit their local context. However, there are concerns as to whether it is appropriate or even possible to measure research cultural change. Concentrating too heavily on metrics rather than the changes themselves may pose additional barriers to the cultural change we desire. Thus, we argue that the adopted measures must be nuanced for context and for success relative to where we started and what we collectively understand as being measured. Here we discuss the University of Leeds’ process of selecting metrics to measure research culture change over the next five years. We share how we engaged with the SCOPE framework to identify, shortlist, and probe potential metrics across the four strategic objectives we have identified are best placed to enhance our research culture. From an initial list of more than 80 metrics we have been able to narrow down to just five robust metrics that we feel, with regular monitoring, will maintain adaptability, resilience, and rigour. This paper aims to provide open and transparent insight into how we have chosen to measure our change in research culture, in order to: benefit the wider sector; foster the sharing of best practices and avoid duplication of efforts. Thus, capturing the true essence of what we at the University of Leeds think it means to change culture. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1576 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Rachel Cowen, Sarah Williams, Maria Marsh, Molly Zhang, Neal Chamberlain, Diane Harris, Michael Dixon Pages: 383 - 399 Abstract: This paper provides critical reflection on work and progress to embed EDI in our research and innovation workforce, practice and culture at the University of Manchester. Our university aim is to take an intersectional and holistic approach to educate, engage, empower and support our staff and student community at all levels to prioritise EDI. To embed EDI in research and promote collective responsibility to help shape a fairer, inclusive research culture the University launched the ‘Inclusive Research Transformation Programme’. This programme included developing inclusive research mindsets and building inclusive leadership capacity (from UG to senior research leader); a University EDI award scheme which catalysed innovative local and national researcher led EDI initiatives; and targeted funding schemes to help address gender, ethnicity, and disability inequities within our research career pipeline. Three schemes were developed, an UG EDI summer placement scheme, an early career research staff EDI fellowship underpinned by inclusive advocacy and an established academic returners scheme. Funding Acknowledgement This work was funded by University of Manchester and Wellcome Institutional Strategic Support Fund (204796/Z/16/Z ISSF - Wellcome ISSF 3 – EDI). PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1577 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Jemina Napier, Fiona Armstrong, Catalina Bastidas Pages: 400 - 423 Abstract: Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is a global university with five academic Schools connected across five campuses. To foster a vibrant and inclusive research culture across the global research community, HWU has invested time and resource to strategically improve research culture, building on current strengths, while addressing cultural challenges faced by the research community. We have engaged all members of the community through a lengthy consultation and co-design process to co-produce a global action plan. The global community has a forward looking, unconstrained and ambitious future vision of what an ideal research culture at HWU should look like, and there are gaps between that vision and the diagnostic of perceptions of the ‘as-is’ culture. The action plan will drive forward an active strategy for supporting the research community. This paper gives an overview of the action plan development process using Lippitt and Knoster’s Model of Complex Change as a framework, sharing the key themes that emerged from consultations, plans for moving ahead, reflections on the successes and challenges, with a focus on how to foster research culture and connect a global university. PubDate: 2024-08-08 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i3.1587 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Gareth Johnson Pages: i - xiii Abstract: In this introductory editorial, the Chief Editor looks briefly at changes in the field of academic publishing, alongside speculating on future developments for the journal. Notably the editorial contains an overview of all articles appearing in this issue, along with news about forthcoming issues and author contribution opportunities too. Following a series of acknowledgements, the editorial closes with a guide to the various ways in which readers can engage with the journal outside of the published volumes on social media. Keywords:Introduction
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Nostalgia Ain’t What it Used to Be
Authors:Gareth J Johnson Pages: i - xiv Abstract: In this introductory editorial, the Chief Editor reflects back on the historical parallels of publication and monastic orders, alongside considering the impact the Modern Records Centre (MRC) has made on their own career. It notably includes an overview of all the articles and authors appearing in this celebratory volume, along with news about future issues and author contribution opportunities too. Finally, it closes with a guide to the various ways readers and contributors can interact with Exchanges and its editorial team, along with acknowledging thanks to all the people who helped bring about this special issue. Keywords:Introduction
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Five Minutes to Midnight
Authors:Gareth J Johnson Pages: i - xxiii Abstract: This is the editorial for the 27th issue of Exchanges. The editorial offers an update to journal activities, along with an introduction to the issue’s content, alongside highlighting ways in which people can interact and contribute to future issues. The major focus of the editorial is an overview of the various special issue projects currently underway for future publication consideration. The article also includes information on the Editorial Board and ways to contact the Editor-in-Chief. Keywords:Introduction
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The Modern Records Centre
Authors:Pierre Botcherby, Rachel MacGregor Pages: 1 - 13 Abstract: The Modern Records Centre (MRC) is the leading archive in the United Kingdom for collections of national-level trades union and employers’ organisation records. It holds the historic records of the University of Warwick and is an important archive for such diverse topics as fringe politics, pressure groups, and cycling, amongst others. The MRC is a key teaching resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students across Warwick’s Arts and Social Science faculties and contributes to public engagement and outreach through events for local community groups and schools. In 2023, the MRC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of events, culminating in a symposium at the University of Warwick. This paper provides historical background about the MRC's foundation and development, situating it within the wider research climate of the 1970s. It then introduces the contributions to this collecting of proceedings from the anniversary symposium. Exchanges Discourse Podcast Reflecting on the Modern Record Centre’s First Half Century: In Conversation with Pierre Botcherby & Rachel MacGregor [34:36] Keywords:Introduction
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Hugh Clegg (1920-95), the new ‘Warwick School’ of Industrial Relations and the Creation of the Modern Records Centre
Authors:Peter Ackers Pages: 14 - 20 Abstract: The Warwick Industrial Relations (IR) academics, George Bain and Hugh Clegg, were key movers in founding the Modern Records Centre (MRC) & attracting the unique collection of trade union and employers' records. In the late 1960s, after his crucial role on the 1965-68 'Donovan' Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations, Clegg was recruited from Nuffield College, Oxford to become a founding professor in what became Warwick Business School. He won SSRC funding to bring the Industrial Relations Research Unit (IRRU) to Warwick, which became the national centre for the field, with a global reputation, at a time when IR was arguably the central UK domestic issue. Leadership of the IRRU passed to George Bain, then Willy Brown. After retirement, Clegg then used the MRC for the final two volumes of his landmark A History of British Trade Unions since 1889 (Oxford University Press 1985, 1994). Based on interviews with the archivist, Richard Storey, George Bain and other members of the 'Warwick School', my paper will discuss: (1) the formation of Warwick School IR; (2) Bain & Clegg's influence on the MRC; and (3) Clegg's writing on trade union history. In 2003, I co-edited a study of academic IR Understanding Work & Employment (OUP) & for the past 20 years I've published widely on Hugh Clegg. My full biography with Routledge is now out. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Navigating the Publication Imperative
Authors:Arthur William Fodouop Kouam Pages: 27 - 40 Abstract: This study provides a thoughtful analysis of effective tactics for achieving success in academic publishing. It explores the intricate and challenging obstacles that scholars encounter while trying to meet the requirements of publishing their work. This study examines the connections between academic productivity, multidisciplinary cooperation, and developing patterns in scholarly communication. Its goal is to offer practical advice and tactics for scholars to improve their publication efficiency while emphasizing their well-being. The study highlights the significance of balancing practicality in publishing output and self-care practices. It also underlines the value of embracing multidisciplinary audiences and research, investigating alternate pathways for publication, and utilizing digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for disseminating research. Based on academic publishing literature, personal observations, and guidance from experienced scholars, this paper provides significant insights and recommendations for early-career researchers who want to succeed in the competitive academic world and progress in their scholarly careers. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Data-Driven Insights for a Holistic Understanding of Research Culture
Authors:Ann Campbell, Victoria Simms, Maria Prince Pages: 41 - 59 Abstract: Research environments (and their measurement and tracking) are becoming increasingly complex, with rapid Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global connectivity shaping the way research knowledge is created and disseminated. Within this dynamic landscape, universities hold an ever increasing collection of valuable data, which are stored within core operational systems including research information systems, research management systems or grants databases, human resource systems and course management systems. This treasure trove of information, often overlooked and underutilised, not only serves as a valuable tool in guiding strategic decisions, but also could be further used to provide a comprehensive approach to monitoring research integrity and culture. This critical reflection follows extensive conversations and debates around defining and assessing ‘research culture’. How can we possibly measure something that has, up until now, been viewed as merely a concept' How can we generate useful metrics that reflect the culture of a research institution' Our reflections will draw attention to the potential of leveraging readily accessible information to gauge and benchmark research integrity and culture practices. We discuss how regular habitual integration of these data sources enables continuous monitoring and measurement of research culture as well as the ability to assist in the assessment of interventions or initiatives designed to improve it. We reflect on how this approach ensures that University leaders have a consistent and up-to-date understanding of the research environment through which they can identify strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and cultivate a more robust, inclusive, and transparent research ecosystem. The current paper, through illustrative examples from one UK-based institution, explores the potential in harnessing existing data, such as collaborative trends and prevailing research practices, to gain valuable insights into the dynamics of academic research. In addition, we explore the advantages and drawbacks of using this data to develop potential metrics that can be used to recognise and reward a healthy research culture. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Collaboration in the Archive
Authors:Mike Esbester, Alex Gordon, Cheryl Hunnisett, James King, Stephen Lamb Pages: 45 - 60 Abstract: In this piece we look at a collaborative project, in which the Modern Records Centre is a co-lead: the Railway Work, Life & Death project. The project is transcribing details of accidents to British and Irish railway staff before 1939. Using a collaborative and co-productive methodology, and thanks to the efforts of volunteers, we are transcribing and making freely available tens of thousands of records of accidents to railway workers. Many of these records come from the collections of what is now the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) trade union, and their support for our work has been excellent. Here we offer up critical reflections from across the project team about how the project has worked in practice. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Once a Nurse, Always a Nurse'
Authors:Kate Montague-Hellen Pages: 60 - 66 Abstract: Stereotypes of what defines a nurse act to limit nursing identity and provide a barrier to both career progression into academia and nurse retention in clinical practice. In this critical reflection, I explore how opportunities in clinical practice allowed me to develop my own identity as a nurse academic whilst acknowledging that these opportunities are not available to all potential nurse academics. I question whether 'a nurse will always be a nurse' if we do not provide the opportunities, and the time, for nurses to explore the vast range of roles within the profession. Research is being conducted on a daily basis in clinical practice, however nurses need to be supported by their workplaces to gain the skills and knowledge on how to become productive scholars. Supporting nurses to take this step will level the gradient between nursing and academia, and open the door for the future of successful nurse academia. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Interdisciplinary Labor
Authors:Mia-Marie Hammarlin Pages: 67 - 72 Abstract: This reflection explores the anxiety and physical sensations felt by some scholars when navigating interdisciplinary research. The author describes personally experienced physical and emotional challenges faced during collaborative research, emphasizing the lack of common language and knowledge, and arguing for greater acknowledgment of these embodied experiences. The aim is to foster more honest and productive interdisciplinary dialogues, highlighting the importance of addressing emotional and physical responses to being able to succeed in collaborative research settings. Funding Acknowledgement This work was supported by Riksbankens jubileumsfond (grant #MXM19-1161:1), to whom thanks are noted. Exchanges Discourse Podcast Researcher Vulnerability and Physical Impacts: In Conversation with Mia-Marie Hammarlin [39:30] Keywords:Critical Reflections
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An Early Career Perspective on the Value of Interdisciplinary Training Networks
Authors:Sarah Elizabeth Golding Pages: 73 - 90 Abstract: As a global society, we face various challenges that threaten economic, social, and ecological stability and security. Tackling complex global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate change, requires collaboration and the integration of diverse perspectives from across the full spectrum of disciplinary approaches. This requires an increasing number of effective interdisciplinary researchers. In this reflective article, I present a case study narrative based on my own experience to examine how my interactions with an interdisciplinary training scheme (the Medical Research Foundation’s National PhD Training Programme in Antimicrobial Resistance Research (MRF-PhD-AMR Programme)) helped me develop as an interdisciplinary early career researcher. I describe three key interactions I had with the MRF-PhD-AMR Programme during and after my doctoral studies, and how these interactions offered me different opportunities to develop the capacity to effectively navigate interdisciplinary spaces. My reflections help highlight the importance of supporting doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in engaging in training opportunities that cross disciplinary boundaries, to enable them to become more effective interdisciplinary researchers. Funding Acknowledgment My doctoral research exploring antimicrobial usage in UK livestock farming was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council [grant number ES/J500148/1]. My attendance at MRF-PhD-AMR Programme events was funded by the Medical Research Foundation [grant number MRF-145-0004-TPG-AVISO]. At the time of writing, I am employed as a Knowledge Exchange Fellow on the ACCESS (Advancing Capacity for Climate and Environment Social Science) project, which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council [grant number ES/W00805X/1]. Exchanges Discourse Podcast Becoming an Inspired Interdisciplinarian: Sarah Golding discusses invaluable developmental experiences [39:40] Keywords:Critical Reflections
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The Modern Records Centre’s Chile Collections as a Space for Memory and Recognition
Authors:Verónica Díaz-Cerda, Alison Ribeiro de Menezes Pages: 77 - 86 Abstract: Exiles occupy a marginal status within the field of Transitional Justice. Chileans who fled the Pinochet dictatorship have had limited access to public and official platforms to share their experiences. The MRC´s efforts in gathering, digitizing and disseminating materials relating to Chilean exile demonstrate how non-state and international archives can provide alternative and meaningful pathways for acknowledgment and symbolic redress. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Opening up Responsible Research and Innovation
Authors:Catherine Price, Min Burdett, Tom Bott Pages: 91 - 101 Abstract: Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is increasingly being implemented by researchers, and in the UK, its use is encouraged by funders such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The aim of RRI is to ensure that research and its impacts are opened up to broader deliberation, engagement and debate in an inclusive manner, and to enable the complexities and uncertainties of research to be revealed through involvement with those impacted by the research. Taken at face value, RRI appears to challenge the status quo of decisions around scientific and technological developments being left to those with scientific expertise. However, existing RRI frameworks are anthropocentric, and exclude the more-than-human world (animals, plants, soil, water, land etc.,). To address these issues a project was undertaken which aimed to design, co-produce and provide a conceptual framework for including the more-than-human world within responsible research and innovation. Part of the project included a one-day in-person workshop with diverse knowledge-holders to ensure different knowledges and perspectives were feeding into the project. The focus of this article is not on the workshop itself, but what arose from it. Following the workshop, one of the knowledge-holders produced a written piece about game theory and its potential role in RRI. This written piece is presented here and its importance and relevance to RRI is reflected upon. We explain why this written piece about game theory matters to RRI. We conclude by offering recommendations to researchers. Funding Acknowledgement This work was supported by Advancing Capacity for Climate and Environment Social Science (ACCESS) Flex Fund under Grant 119281R. Thank you to all the knowledge-holders that participated in the one-day in-person workshop. Your insights were invaluable. At Exchanges: The Interdisciplinary Research Journal, we would like to thank Jacob Thomas for the very helpful feedback, and Dr Gareth J Johnson for his support in bringing this article to fruition. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Not on the French radar'
Authors:Mélanie Torrent Pages: 99 - 116 Abstract: The war of Algerian independence (1954-1962) generated intense debates – and sometimes action – in the British left at a time when Britain itself was facing the end of its empire. Many individuals and several movements and parties were thus involved in the war, giving support to independence movements, protesting against torture, or simply debating the consequences of the Algerian war for Europe, the western world and the future of socialism. Focusing on the papers of Labour MPs, the records of the TUC and of several socialist and Trotskyist groups and individuals, this article shows that the Modern Records Centre holds key collections to understand the ways in which the Algerian war influenced conceptions of socialism in Britain. This is particularly true when they are read against the grain of French surveillance files and situated within a broader, transnational archive. The article therefore also reflects on archives as a site and as a source for understanding processes of domination and means of liberation, for both the colonies and the metropoles, and for the writing of transnational histories of solidarity. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Max Horkheimer on Law's Force of Resistance
Authors:Simon Gansinger Pages: 102 - 112 Abstract: The law maintains, rather than challenges, the powers that be – or so it is commonly thought. In ‘Rackets and Spirit,’ a little known and untranslated essay, Max Horkheimer complicates this notion by attributing to law a ‘force of resistance’. He contends that, under certain conditions, the legal process develops a logic of its own, one that can become disjointed from the rationale of power. In this Critical Reflection, I look closely at the paragraph in which Horkheimer introduces the notion of a ‘force of resistance’. I argue that Horkheimer develops a theme that he and Theodor W. Adorno return to in the Dialectic of Enlightenment: the spiritual instruments of domination, among them law, have the potential to turn against domination. At the same time, Horkheimer is clear that law does not resist automatically: it takes human agents to put the legal sphere into opposition to the political sphere. I illustrate this thought with respect to the recent history of federal abortion rights in the United States. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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A Reconsideration of Imaginative Points of Resistance
Authors:Giulia Lorenzi Pages: 113 - 121 Abstract: In this short piece, I want to explore the idea that limits of imagination, that I refer to here as to ‘points of resistance’, can play an essential role in certain imaginative tasks. To show how points of resistance can be carriers of crucial information, I focus here on the analysis of 9/11. Leaving aside personal and political implications, I investigate the possible plausibility of some statements of the US Secretary of the Defense at the time of the attacks, attributing the cause of 9/11 to imagination. I propose that, despite being dismissed as an outrageous analysis of responsibilities involved in the success of the terroristic attacks, there could be a role that a failure of imagination might have played. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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‘Do your duty; get together, work together and take action together, with confidence and pride’
Authors:Kirstie Stage Pages: 136 - 141 Abstract: Drawing on sources from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) collection at the Modern Records Centre (MRC), this critical reflection draws on some of the seminal works from the National Union of the Deaf. In addition, MRC sources showed the dialogue between the NUD and TUC, including private correspondence, draft notes and sent letters amongst Deaf members of the NUD and TUC Executive members. Furthermore, these discussions and foundation works provide insight into Deaf people’s political organising in Britain throughout the mid-1970s, as well as the labour movement and broader political landscape of twentieth-century Britain. Deaf histories are integral to better understanding conceptualisations of trade unions, work conditions and political pressure groups. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Subtitling Hong Kong Code-Mixing and Code-Switching
Authors:Luis Damián Moreno García Pages: 161 - 187 Abstract: Translation has largely been considered a process involving only two languages, source and target. However, plurilingual audiovisual content has proliferated over the last few decades, reflecting, as a result, the world’s linguistic intermingling. Such a plurality complicates both theoretical categorizations and translation practices. Even though multilingualism in the media has received scholarly attention, more explorations are needed to ascertain the translation processes and methods adopted to handle linguistically diverse source texts in the streaming era. The present piece of research tentatively explores the treatment given to Cantonese and English code-mixing and code-switching present in Hongkonese films and TV shows currently streamed on Netflix, the video-on-demand platform. This article probes a selection of such content and compares the original dialogues with official Chinese, English and Spanish subtitles. Preliminary results point towards a loss of linguistic diversity and nuance caused by subtitling processes. The differentiated roles that both languages originally play in creating comedic, stylistic, or emphatic effects are rarely retained, possibly affecting viewers’ reception and appreciation. This article argues that further attention should be paid to the translation and adaptation of code-mixing and code-switching present in Hongkonese creations, both by the industry and academia, if such a multilingual reality is to be portrayed successfully via subtitles. Keywords:Featured Theme: The Effect of Plurality in Translation
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PubDate: 2024-04-26 DOI: 10.31273/eirj.v11i2.1155
Authors:Neil Carter Pages: 184 - 192 Abstract: This paper is based on my presentation at the MRC’s 50th anniversary conference. Firstly, it gives an overview of my book, Cycling and the British: A Modern History, which was published in 2021, and was heavily based on the MRC’s National Cycle Archive. Secondly, the paper provides examples of some of the key records used in the book. Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Critical Reflections on Universities, Publishing, and the Early Career Experience
Authors:Jonathan Vickery Pages: 188 - 202 Abstract: This paper is a critical reflection on the changing relationship between university institutions, academic publishing, and young researchers. It emerges from a current project in assessing the role and development of Warwick University’s research journals (and their editors), but also takes into account two recent Warwick Institute of Advanced Study seminars discussing the practical and strategic challenge of publishing for early career scholars and PhD students. While these seminars concerned publishing in general, and the question of career trajectories, this reflection paper takes into account the current shifts in publishing and our understanding of research as knowledge production more broadly. This reflection maintains that, in part provoked by digital media, the status of research knowledge vis-à-vis its traditional presentation in the discrete products of the ‘article’, and the book, has become unstable, and this instability has opened up a range of economic and systemic conditions of knowledge production that have long since been concealed. Current shifts thus offer younger scholars and early career researchers significant opportunities: this short paper sets out the initial framework for a current research project focussing on university publishing, then it refers to the two above seminars in order to conclude with some critical issues for academic practice, research and for early career scholars. Exchanges Discourse Podcast Being an Effective Academic Citizen in the Republic of Knowledge: In Conversation with Jonathan Vickery [59:58] Keywords:Critical Reflections
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Open Access journal
