Public Engagement and Social Science

Drawing on social science conversations at a lively cafe in Bristol, this highly original book explores the value of public engagement in a wider social science context. The chapters range from themes such as the dialogic character of the social sciences, pragmatism in responses, and the underpinnings of managerial approaches to the restructuring of higher education. The first part reflects upon the different social and political inflections of public engagement. It is followed by chapters based upon talks at the cafe that were concerned with public engagement and the contribution of social science to a reflexive understanding of the dilemmas and practices of daily life. Together, the contributors offer a refreshing look at the role of social science in the societies it examines.

Stella Maile is a senior lecturer in the Department of Health and Applied Social Sciences and convener of Social Science in the City at the University of the West of England. She is the coauthor of two books and, most recently, author of The Meaning of the British Honours System in Everyday Life. David Griffiths is an associate lecturer at the Open University in the South West. He is the author of two books, most recently Refugee Community Organisations and Dispersal.