Militant Research in the Housing Movement: The Community Action Tenants Union Rent Strike History Project

Abstract

Knowledge generated by and with radical housing movements is necessary to achieve a more just housing system. This article analyses a militant research project involving collective investigation of the history of rent strikes in Ireland undertaken within the Community Action Tenants Union Ireland. Drawing on the tradition of workers’ inquiry, it explores the relationships between militant research, class composition, and radical history, and how collective investigation of housing movement history might contribute to contemporary organising. The article is based on both oral history and archival research as well as reflections on the research process. The analysis focuses on how the project has or might contribute to current organising efforts through lessons drawn from historical analysis and connections developed through the research process, while also identifying tensions between research and organising. Overall, it highlights the value of radical history research as a form of organising and strategy for political recomposition.