JRP Submission ID#160
Title: Interventionist Research as Seduction--Resignation and Reconciliation in the Post-Natal Ward
Category: Provocative Idea
Submitted: Jan 14, 2009
Size: About 7000 words

ABSTRACT:

The focus in this paper is methodological reflections on opportunities and hindrances in intervention in work practices. Studies of intervention from an STS [Science and Technology Studies] perspective are interested in the implication of the research for those involved. It is argued that effects of intervention are folded by complex transformation among central and local networks. The ambitions of the researcher are neither deliberately enacted, nor are they completely determined by forces in the field. Rather they are emerging, while the researcher is bound to the discourse of the studied field. In order to unfold, articulate and cultivate this potential space of influence the paper proposes the notions "interference" and "seduction."

EXCERPTS:

My intention in this paper is to untangle the implication of intervention by asking: What kinds of connections are produced among the social researcher and a number of other participants? And what are the performativity of those connections? . . .

In 2000-2005 the hospitals in Copenhagen went through an encompassing so-called accreditation process. Accreditation is a strong discourse and practice, which is able to challenge the dominating tradition of professional autonomy . . .

Thus the STS approach has appeared to be a penetrating and provocative perspective, which has led to a wealth of details and an understanding of the subtleties of the kind of transformation accreditation embraces . . .

[T]he paper offers a new perspective to the current strong governmental rhetoric, which holds that research, should be applicable and ought to contribute to practice. . . . Rather social research should increase focus on what it means to be useful . . .
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Reviewers familiar with these issues may kindly respond.

DP
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