Social Research and Analysis
The Jesuit Conference seeks to direct and carry out analysis of social, economic, demographic and cultural trends of importance to the Society of Jesus in the United States, both nationally and at the regional level; to develop a nexus of learning between social justice practitioners (social ministers) and social analysts; and to coordinate with social analysis and research centers at Jesuit Institutions across the country. Part of its social analysis efforts includes publication of In All Things, a Jesuit Journal of the Social Apostolate, which covers various issues of concern to the Society of Jesus.
“The Importance of Social Research”
A New Document from the Society of Jesus’ Social Apostolate Coordinators
Background: Assistancy Coordinators of the Social Apostolate for the Society of Jesus and their lay collaborators gathered in Rome in May 2007 to investigate ways to strengthen social research within the Society so as to better respond to the needs of our times. They strongly felt the need to reorganize their work, to “integrate the efforts made in the university and social sector to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the globalised world” (Social Justice Secretariat, The Importance of Social Research, no. 1), while at the same time recognizing the strong state of social analysis and research in the Society.
Below is a link to the document as the outcome of the Rome gathering, titled: “The Importance of Social Research.” We invite you to review and contemplate the diagnosis and practical recommendations made by the Coordinators, discerning the implications for your own ministry or institution. We encourage you to think about various topics addressed in the document and arising from the document, including:
How faith orients research
Divisions between academics and institutional practitioners in the social apostolate and the importance of institutional collaboration
How to implement recommendations contained within
Click Here to access the document: “The Importance of Social Research,” Social Justice Secretariat, Society of Jesus, Rome, May 2007.
ListServ Discussion Group: There has been much interest in the document among social researchers at Jesuit colleges, universities and institutes and a Listserv was created to foster further conversation among social researchers and practitioners in the social apostolate; to provide a means for the cross-institutional collaboration called forth in the document; and to begin moving the document’s recommendations forward. A sample of the topics being discussed on the Listserv includes:
Justifying the central role of social analysis for strategic discernment and developing priority themes in social research projects which integrate a theological, philosophical and ethical dimension.
Developing a common “Ignatian” framework for research topics on specific social issues (such as migration)
Having a central S.J. database which identifies Jesuits and their collaborators by topical interest (rather than discipline alone) so that Jesuits know who else might be working on similar research (HIV/AIDS, urban poverty, global warming, etc.)
Strengthening the intersection between advocacy and research
If you are interested in joining an on-line discussion group on this document and its implications, please contact Fr. Ray Bucko, S.J. at Creighton University at bucko@creighton.edu. Please include your name, title, institute/ministry and your email address.