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Methodological Implications of Marxian Praxis in Action Research
Karl Marx famously wrote, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it.” For me, this idea serves as a crucial starting point for action research and inspired my article, “Methodological Implications of Marxian Praxis in Action Research,” which will be published in Action Research.
The above quotation from Marx is from a work titled, “Theses On Feuerbach.” For those who do not want to pore over the hundreds of pages of 19th century prose that is Capital, the “Theses” serve as a nice introduction to Marx’s work, particularly pivotal questions of praxis. As action researchers, praxis (the marriage between theory and practice) is fundamental to what we do. Marx had a very specific definition of what praxis is. What does praxis mean to you?
Just like many of you, I am an action researcher. I’m also a Marxist. What is interesting to me is how the two relate. My article investigates not only correlations between the two schools of thought, but also tensions. I would encourage you who may be aligned with different frameworks (feminism, queer theory, critical race theory, etc.) to do the same. Intriguing questions arise through structured reflection.
I try to read a little Marx each month (there’s a lot out there; the guy wrote quite a bit). Sometimes, I think about what Marx would have thought of action research. While I think he would have had concerns (Marx always had concerns), I think he would have been excited about this direction of research and its ability to foster social change. He attempted to do the same to the very end and proved successful. Yet, there is still a great deal of work to do.
One crucial task that we all should take part in is inspiring one another. Karl Marx and other Marxists inspire me every day. As do the action researchers that I work with and read. Through our research, publications like AR, our teaching, our work in the communities—the potential for inspiration is everywhere. Over the long term, inspiration can prove more impactful than immediate change. Let’s work to inspire.
Blog post and article author, Joseph Cunningham
You can access this article for free by using THIS LINK. After you’ve had a chance to read this piece, please share your thoughts, ideas, or experiences with our community so we can continue this discussion! The AR+ site is hosting a discussion forum for us to talk about our reactions and experiences related this topic. You can access the discussion forum HERE.
Columbia Embury
www.wright.edu
www.wright.edu
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