Academic activism
By
Awatef Abdel-Rahman
The subtle and not-so-subtle ways of globalisation need close examination. Globalisation's most visible aspects -- its impacts on structures of wealth and power -- are only the tip of the iceberg. Those who control the world's markets are getting richer and more powerful while the working classes are deprived not only of wealth but of basic human rights.
Researchers and academics must examine this phenomenon and keep the public informed of their findings. Universities and research centres are not ivory towers in which the brilliant minds of the nation engage in scientific research then pat one another on the back, congratulating each other on their depth of vision. Researchers have a social as well as an academic role to play. They are required to identify the problems facing their societies, and then place their findings in the public domain.
Researchers cannot work in isolation. Their efforts are much more effective when they organise themselves and start to act collectively. Real change begins with collective action, with persistent attempt to reverse the tides of corruption.
Scientists, intellectuals, and rights activists need to work together. They must create the methods and mechanisms that allow for cooperation and advocacy. Only then will the way be paved for the birth of a capable and enlightened social movement, one that can reverse the tide, one that can restore dignity to the toiling masses and improve the lot of the poor and the marginalised.
* This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of journalism at Cairo University.
