Lecture Links Research and Action for Social Justice

The Department of Social and Behavioral Science at Birzeit University and the Palestinian Society for Sociology and Anthropology held on February 14, 2017 a lecture on applying sociological research in practice to achieve social justice. The lecture was presented by the president of the International Sociological Association and professor of sociology at Hofstra University, Margaret Abraham.

The lecture, “Making a Difference: Linking Sociological Research and Action for Social Justice,” explored ways to coordinate a diverse global network of sociologists to draw upon their research and practices, theoretical frameworks and methodologies for creating a more just world.

Abraham pointed out that more than three billion people live on $2.5 a day, and more than 750 million people don’t have access to clean water. Only few rich people control the world’s resources, she said. “These numbers are increasing year after year. We need quick, efficient solutions to achieve social justice.”

Abraham emphasized the role of the International Sociological Association as an intellectual and organizational space for such dialogue, debate, and action.

Abraham’s teaching and research interests include gender, globalization, immigration and domestic violence. She has published in various journals and is the author of the award-winning book “Speaking the Unspeakable: Marital Violence among South Asian Immigrants in the United States”. Margaret has been involved in research and activism addressing violence against women. She has been honored for her community action research by community-based and academic organizations. Her work has been profiled and quoted in the media, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday and India Abroad.