So this document (urban.org/urban-wire/equ…) is causing a bit of a fuss. The first pic is the controversial claims they make about research methodology, and the next three pics are the remedies they propose for their issues. My thoughts thereon in a thread... 
... I'm struck by three things here. First, the objections to objectivity and rigour just elide the difference between taken-for and actual objectivity/rigour. So it is a bit hard to tell which is being objected to, and how plausible the claims are depends a lot on that...
... To illustrate, the claim that objective inquiry can never challenge established belief systems is just *intensely* implausible if by that it is meant any moderately disinterested researcher using intersubjectively checkable methods will always affirm majority belief...
...majorities believe wacky stuff that wouldn't be verified by such methods all the time! People tend to believe all sorts of national myths and share local prejudices, these are exactly the sort of things that get undermined by objective inquiry. So, yeah, imprecision matters...
Second, it's arguable that the first three of their proposed remedies are quite uncontroversial (I think it's indisputable that the first two are - surely we all agree it's good to be aware of and counteract biases, and know the impact of your own research)...
... I think kinda radical language combined with basically quite mild proposals is common in things which cause culture war flashpoints. Both the people who put forward things like this, and the people who react super negatively to them, aren't thinking about actual changes...
... the battle is all at this level of symbolism, more about framing and narrative. Tbh I can imagine finding a research culture steeped in this vocab and sensibility kinda tiresomely pious and self-absorbed so I get it, but worth keeping the actual stakes more firmly in mind....
... Third, the proposal they make that would be a big change in research practice is call for more participatory research involving actually deferring decision making power to communities studied. I actually support this, I think the most radical part is also the most plausible.
Ok therein lies my considered opinions. Tagging @CathyYoung63, @mattyglesias, @jessesingal @wesyang as the sort of anti-woke Opinion Formers I have seen react to this piece (well the subset who might actually care what I think lol).
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