UW-Madison’s Thomas Popkewitz released his latest book, “The Impracticality of Practical Research: A History of Contemporary Sciences of Change that Conserve,” a work that examines the politics of practical knowledge and the paradox of exclusion in contemporary social and physical sciences.
Popkewitz is a professor with the School of Education’s No. 1-ranked Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
According to Popkewitz, there is a desire that research should show us practical knowledge that “enables people to live a good life in a just and equitable society.” Over time, this desire has “haunted” research and continues to live on in educational research.
“The Impracticality of Practical Research” explores how practical and useful knowledge evolves over time, showing how this knowledge has been “(re)visioned” in contemporary research. Popkewitz argues that research meant to correct social wrongs is inherently paradoxical, interwoven with “inscription of differences” that undermine its purpose.
Read more here.