Is there any theory on what is a pro-worker perspective on doing research is social sciences, (or on doing research “from below”)? There are of course, workers’ narratives and oral labour history, but have not come across anything substantial in terms of theory or methodology. Any suggestions, please?
The most convincing I know is the theory and practice of so called "workers inquiry" which dates back to the "famous" questionnaire for La Revue socialiste by Karl Marx: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1880/04/20.htm
It was adopted as a methodology, practice and politics by Italian autonomist Marxism as early as in the 1960s and is getting developed more recently. For further references try you can consult two great thematic journal issues:
One by Viewpoint:
https://www.viewpointmag.com/2013/09/30/issue-3-workers-inquiry/
Another by ephemera:
http://www.ephemerajournal.org/issue/politics-workers-inquiry
Hi George,
I'm not sure the field of social research that you are interested in, but we have found Appreciative Inquiry useful. It was developed in an organisational change context, and as a strength based approach it is arguably a pro-worker philosophy
The core principles are: (to cut and paste...)
Reality, as we know it, is a subjective vs. objective state and is socially created through language and conversations.
Inquiry creates change The moment we ask a question, we begin to create a change. “The questions we ask are fateful.
We can choose what we study Teams and organizations, like open books, are endless sources of study and learning. What we choose to study makes a difference. It describes – even creates – the world as we know it.
Images inspire action. Human systems move in the direction of their images of the future. The more positive and hopeful the image of the future, the more positive the present-day action.
Positive questions lead to positive change. Momentum for [small or] large-scale change requires large amounts of positive affect and social bonding. This momentum is best generated through positive questions that amplify the positive core
There is an introduction here:
https://appreciativeinquiry.champlain.edu/learn/appreciative-inquiry-introduction/
Engaging in the approach has been found to have positive impact on worker / employee 'engagement', 'morale' etc
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