In one of the courses I teach, students write a literature review (written in an academic APA writing style) on a topic of their choice and translate it into a different work for public consumption. The aim is to draw salient points from their analysis of the literature along with their concluding arguments and recommendations (for policy or practice) into a more digestible format for a general audience. Today, I stumbled upon a book titled Going public: a guide for social scientists that addresses this topic.
Here is the summary provided by the publisher:
“At a time when policy discussions are dominated by “I feel” instead of “I know,” it is more important than ever for social scientists to make themselves heard. When those who possess in-depth training and expertise are excluded from public debates about pressing social issues – such as climate change, the prison system, or healthcare – vested interests can sway public opinion in uninformed ways. Yet few graduate students, researchers, or faculty know how to do this kind of work – or feel empowered to do it. While there has been an increasing call for social scientists to engage more broadly with the public, concrete advice for starting the conversation has been in short supply. Arlene Stein and Jessie Daniels seek to change this with Going Public, the first guide that truly explains how to be a public scholar. They offer guidance on writing beyond the academy, including how to get started with op-eds and articles and later how to write books that appeal to general audiences. They then turn to the digital realm with strategies for successfully building an online presence, cultivating an audience, and navigating the unique challenges of digital world. They also address some of the challenges facing those who go public, including the pervasive view that anything less than scholarly writing isn’t serious and the stigma that one’s work might be dubbed ‘journalistic’.”
Provided by Publisher
I also had ChatGPT respond to this prompt, “Write a 500-word essay explaining the benefits and risks of an academic engaging in public scholarship with citations.” Here’s what I got. Not bad!
ChatGPT | Attempt 1:
Academic engagement in public scholarship, also known as “public intellectualism,” refers to the practice of scholars using their expertise to engage with and inform public discourse and policy. This can take many forms, such as writing op-eds, participating in public debates, and consulting for government agencies. While there are many benefits to academics engaging in public scholarship, there are also potential risks to consider.
One benefit of public scholarship is that it allows academics to share their research and expertise with a wider audience. This can increase the impact and reach of their work, and may also lead to more funding and opportunities for further research. For example, a study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that scientists who engage in public outreach and communication are more likely to receive federal funding for their research (1).
Another benefit of public scholarship is that it can help to bridge the gap between academia and the broader public. This is particularly important in fields such as science and technology, where the public has a significant interest but may not have access to or understanding of the latest research. By engaging with the public, academics can help to educate and inform the public, and may also be able to use public feedback and perspectives to inform their own research.
However, there are also potential risks to consider when engaging in public scholarship. One risk is that academics may be criticized or attacked for their views, particularly if they are controversial or unpopular. This can be particularly challenging for early-career scholars, who may not have established a reputation or built a network of support.
Another risk is that academics may be perceived as biased or partisan if they take a public stance on a particular issue. This can be a concern for scholars in fields such as politics and policy, where impartiality is often valued. In addition, academics may also be perceived as less credible if they engage in public scholarship, as they may be seen as less objective and more interested in promoting their own views.
Finally, academics who engage in public scholarship may also be at risk of being perceived as less committed to their own research and teaching responsibilities. This can be a concern for scholars in fields where research and teaching are considered the primary responsibilities of the academic.
Overall, while there are many benefits to academic engagement in public scholarship, there are also potential risks to consider. Scholars who are considering engaging in public scholarship should be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them, such as building a network of support and being transparent about their views.
ChatGPT, January 27, 2023
- “Scientists who engage in public outreach and communication are more likely to receive federal funding for their research.” American Association for the Advancement of Science.
ChatGPT | Attempt 2:
Public scholarship refers to the practice of academics sharing their research and expertise with a broader audience beyond the academic community. This can include writing for popular media outlets, participating in public speaking engagements, and engaging with policymakers and community organizations.
There are many benefits to engaging in public scholarship. One of the most important is the ability to reach a wider audience and have a greater impact on society. By communicating research findings and expertise in a way that is accessible to the general public, academics can contribute to public understanding and informed decision-making on a wide range of issues. Additionally, engaging in public scholarship can enhance an academic’s reputation and visibility, which can lead to more opportunities for collaboration and funding.
Another benefit of public scholarship is the potential for increased collaboration between academics and practitioners in the field. By engaging with policymakers, community organizations, and other practitioners, academics can gain valuable insights into the real-world challenges facing their research areas and can work together to develop solutions that are more effective and sustainable.
However, there are also risks associated with engaging in public scholarship. One of the most significant is the potential for academics to be criticized or misrepresented in the media. This can occur when research findings are oversimplified or taken out of context, or when academics are not prepared to respond to critical questions or counterarguments. Additionally, academics who engage in public scholarship may face backlash from colleagues or peers who view it as a distraction from their primary responsibilities of research and teaching.
Another risk is that academics may be perceived as biased or partisan if they engage in political or policy-related public scholarship. This can create challenges for academics who rely on government funding or support from private donors, as well as for those who are seeking tenure or promotion.
Despite these risks, many academics believe that the benefits of public scholarship outweigh the potential downsides. As sociologist Frances Fox Piven argues, “the public sphere is where citizens learn about the issues that affect their lives and where they can engage in democratic dialogue and action” (Piven, 2007). By participating in public scholarship, academics can play an important role in fostering informed and engaged citizens, as well as in shaping public policy and practice.
In conclusion, engaging in public scholarship can have many benefits for academics, including increased visibility, impact, and collaboration. However, it also carries risks, such as criticism or misrepresentation in the media and the perception of bias. Despite these risks, many academics believe that the benefits outweigh the potential downsides, and that public scholarship is an important aspect of their work and responsibilities.
References:
Piven, F.F. (2007) Challenging authority: How ordinary people change America. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
ChatGPT, January 27, 2023
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