Researching resistance to neoliberal globalization: Engaged ethnography as solidarity and praxis

Mathers, Andrew; Novelli, Mario

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the process of carrying out ethnographic studies of organized resistance to neoliberal globalization. We do so by drawing upon the critical and public social science of Bourdieu and Santos, two highly influential opponents of neoliberalism, and by utilizing Burawoy's 'extended case method' for the investigation of two instances of resistance. The first is of a trade union, Sintraemcali, that has been engaged in a longstanding struggle over the introduction of neoliberal policies in the city of Cali in south-west Colombia. The second is of 'The European Marches against Unemployment, Job Insecurity and Social Exclusion'. We then reflect upon our approach to researching this resistance and conclude by identifying two key elements of engaged ethnography, solidarity and praxis, that together help provide new insights into the strategies and practices of social movement resistance to neoliberal globalization. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.

Citation

Mathers, A., & Novelli, M. (2007). Researching resistance to neoliberal globalization: Engaged ethnography as solidarity and praxis. Globalizations, 4(2), 229-249. https://doi.org/10.1080/14747730701345259

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2007
• Journal: Globalizations
• Print ISSN: 1474-7731
• Electronic ISSN: 1474-774X
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 229-249
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14747730701345259
• Keywords: neoliberal globalization, ethnography
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1027558
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14747730701345259
• Additional Information: Additional Information : A jointly authored paper with equal input from both parties.