Renewing and Expanding the Study of Social Conflicts
Since the turn of the 21st century, there has been a sharp increase in protest-related events—such as demonstrations, riots, occupations and strikes—and intensified conflicts worldwide. This increase goes hand in hand with what is commonly called the "crisis of representative democracy," and it does not seem likely to decline. In this context, understanding social conflicts is of critical scientific and political importance.
As Canada Research Chair in Sociology of Social Conflicts, Dr. Marcos Ancelovici aims to renew, develop and expand the study of social conflicts. By conducting comparative analyses based on field studies and studying quantitative data about protest-related events, he aims to show that very diverse conflicts often share causes and dynamics.
Ancelovici and his research team are exploring a wide variety of social conflicts around issues related to housing, education, austerity and globalization in North America, Europe and Latin America. More specifically, they are focusing on the social origins of conflicts, the role of intellectuals and counter-expertise in conflicts, and on how individuals and communities are strengthened or weakened during conflicts.
Ancelovici's research will produce scientific knowledge that will help us better understand the dynamics at work in our public and social public spaces.