Research Guides: Science Ethics: Science & Social Justice

What is Social Justice?

"Social Justice is a broadly encompassing term used to collect a variety of ideas and actions that work towards bringing justice to communities and people who are otherwise treated unjustly. Also used to describe the struggle to create, through advocacy, education, and activism, a society that is truly just and equitable." (Bussmann et al., 2020)

Science does not exist apart from society, but influences and is influenced by our social world. Action and change in society affect who participates in and benefits from scientific inquiry. Therefore, to create science that is maximally beneficial, researchers should consider matters of social justice in their work.

FAQs

What are some key concerns around social justice in science research?

What groups benefit from the products of research? What resources does the research consume? Is there a way to widen the applicability of the research?
Is the research field diverse in terms of background and identity? Are there any opportunities to introduce individuals from less represented groups into the field?
Is the research climate in the field supportive and sustainable for those involved currently?
Who/what are the funding sources for research? What are the motives for supporting the research?
Where and how are the tools for research (lab equipment, supplies, computers) being produced? Is the production process harmful to the communities making the tools?

What are some ways to integrate social justice into my research?

U-M LSA offers a funding request form for DEI matters in academic activity. Researchers may submit a response for appropriate activities.
Review and apply materials created by the U-M ADVANCE program, which focuses on fostering a diverse and supportive environment for faculty at U-M.
Make apparent and accessible resources for reporting, including sexual and gender-based misconduct and other discriminatory harassment.

Recommended Resources

Culturally Responsive Strategies for Reforming STEM Higher Education (Book)
"Uses the power of reflection, storytelling, and data to holistically demonstrate" the need for, benefits from, and effectiveness of a culturally responsive pedagogy in Science Higher Ed.
Equity in Science: Representation, Culture, and the Dynamics of Change in Graduate Education (Book)
Provides ethnographic case studies to examine culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in astronomy, physics, chemistry, and geology and to advocate for specialized understanding in each discipline. "Closes with targeted recommendations for individuals, departments, and disciplinary societies for creating systemic, sustainable change."
Committee of Concerned Scientists
A non-profit organization of scientists committed to protecting and promoting human rights and scientific freedom for researchers.
Broadening Participation in STEM: Effective Methods, Practices, and Programs
An exploration of effective strategies, programs, and practices for expanding and redefining educational practices in STEM to promote and foster greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Select Works Covering Systemic Social Justice in Science

We present some works detailing issues of discrimination and inequity in science not as a call to inaction or to simply declare the existence of problems, but to help others recognize the complex systems that have been and are still at work in the academy. We hope that these works will aid others in being more empathetic and respectful interpersonally while also pushing for larger change in science as a whole.

Sources

Bussmann, J., Altamirano, I., Hansen, S., Johnson, N., & Keer, G. (2020). Science Librarianship and Social Justice: Part One Foundational Concepts. Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, 94. https://doi.org/10.29173/istl62

Connections between Social Justice and Scientific Research. (2019, September 10). University of Colorado Boulder Environmental Center. https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/connections-between-social-justice-and-scientific-research