On Social Productivity and Future Perspectives on Action Research

The paper addresses some of the consequences of neoliberalism in our societies and argues that the phenomena that is being discussed under the label of surveillance capitalism has deep implications regarding action research. It fractures individuals into apolitical wants and needs, neutralising the core of action research which is the integrity of the individual and the social fabric. But this can be a two-way relationship, and action research can contribute to counteracting these trends by recreating the citizen actor and integrating individuals in society. To discuss how this can be done in practice, the paper shares some positive deviants, which are positive examples that emerge under unfavorable conditions. Through their discussion the paper poses future-oriented perspectives on action research.