Action-Research In Turbulent Times: Pluralisms, Responsibilities, and Global Transformations

In an era marked by datification, media concentration and algorithmic control, Action-Research plays a crucial role for an engaged sociology. As a family of change-oriented practices—from Lewinian’s and Action Science to participatory and deconstructive approaches—Action-Research privileges doing research “with” and “for” communities, fostering participation, collective and generative learning, and empowerment. These practices respond directly to contemporary challenges: they counter inequalities, support local environment and offer tools to co-produce critical knowledge.

This session invites contributions that connect theoretical pluralism and methodological choices to current global tensions: evaluations of tools (qualitative, quantitative-participatory, and digital methods), reflections on the ethical and political roles of researchers and participants, assessments of transformative effects, and accountability practices in asymmetrical power contexts. We particularly welcome studies that demonstrate how action projects can generate robust knowledge beyond immediate reaction, build North–South alliances, integrate decolonial and gender perspectives, and critically harness technologies such as AI for emancipatory aims. The aim is to explore how Action-Research can contribute to a sociology capable of understanding and transforming the vulnerabilities of our time, producing knowledge that is rigorous, situated, and oriented toward social justice.