Performative Social Science
The use of tools from the arts and humanities, in both qualitative investigations and dissemination of data, is gaining critical mass. Photography, music, dance, poetry, video installations, dramatic monologues and theatrical performances are now part of both the researcher’s investigative toolbox and presentation skills.
A not so quiet revolution is currently taking place in the application of qualitative research in the social sciences. “Performative Social Science” (PSS) has become a catchphrase for the work of qualitative researchers wishing to move beyond typical PowerPoint conference presentations and truly engage their audiences.
What “performative” refers and relates to in social science is the communicative powers of research and the natural involvement of an “audience”. The Performative section of the 2010 conference is seeking presenters who will connect with their audience in order to establish a dialogue of engagement and emotion.- Dr. Kip Jones, Centre for Qualitative Research
Possibilities include, but are not limited to, performance, film, video, audio, graphic arts, new media (CD ROM, web-based production), poetry and so forth.
The Atrium comprises a central meeting point (an ‘agora’) between the Commissary, the main auditorium and the suite of conference presentation rooms and is being set aside as a ‘performance’ space during the conference. This area will be set up with a large LCD display screen and a performance area with a microphone and speakers. A coffee shop to one side will provide café tables and chairs for an informal atmosphere. A ‘Video DJ’ will be playing electronically based presentations and films throughout the conference.
This space can be ‘booked’ for informal conference presentations or more formal ones, providing that they are in the spirit of ‘PERFORM’, ‘INVOLVE’ and ‘PARTICIPATE’.
This will also be the area for ‘surprise’ events during the conference. Sessions booked here will take place both during breaks and meal times, but also can be booked during more formal presentation time slots. It will be up to you to attract your audience using your creative skills. You may also decide to present a Performative Social Science presentation more formally within the traditional conference schedule and space provided. These presentations should also, however, somehow involve your audience within your presentation’s format.
Please contact Dr. Jones for any questions regarding the Performative Social Science section of the conference or if you wish to discuss your presentation.
Convener Contact Details:
Dr. Kip Jones
Bournemouth University
Royal London House, Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
BH1 3LT
UK
Email: kipworld@gmail.com
Contact Details:
Sally–Ann Green
Bournemouth University
Royal London House, Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
BH1 3LT
UK