Perspectives on Social Science and Social Theory from a Political Ecologist

In this lecture, Dr. Christina Hicks explores concepts that are considered to be fundamental to the social sciences, namely: that intellectual history matters; that the consideration of power is essential; and that actors along with socio-political and economic forces interact across scales to shape social and environmental dynamics and patterns. She then discusses why and how social theories can and should shape the questions one asks, what is considered valid data, and how one may collect it. She touches on important ways in which the social sciences are fundamentally different from the natural sciences, particularly with respect to reflexivity and the desire to change paradigms, cultural norms, etc.—not just understand them.  She hopes to stimulate critical thinking on what assumptions and positions underpin research and foster a greater critical awareness of how researchers approach their work.