Abstract
While social research is often positioned as a way to reflect social realities or de-velop theories for specialized fields through analyzing empirical evidence, based on data that is extracted from communities, Jane Addams points to a different mode of inquiry. This chapter introduces the theories and practices of the Hull House as an iterative and experimental process of inquiry— creating new knowledge in and through action, in a process of facing down pressing social chal-lenges. In particular it uses examples from the Hull House— which involved the design of the working people’s social science club, exhibitions on the industrial condition, and spaces for solidarity across class lines— to demonstrate the dialog-ical, creative, and cooperative potentials of social thought in the practice of Jane Addams and Hull House. Implications are explored in regards to what the model of Addams and Hull House can contribute to modes of social thought and design inquiry today.
Keywords
Jane Addams, Hull House, reflection-in-action
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2022.289
Citation
DelSesto, M. (2022) Remaking the social: Dialogical, creative, and co-operative capacities of thought at hull house, in Lockton, D., Lenzi, S., Hekkert, P., Oak, A., Sádaba, J., Lloyd, P. (eds.), DRS2022: Bilbao, 25 June - 3 July, Bilbao, Spain. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2022.289
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Conference Track
Research Paper
Included in
Remaking the social: Dialogical, creative, and co-operative capacities of thought at hull house
While social research is often positioned as a way to reflect social realities or de-velop theories for specialized fields through analyzing empirical evidence, based on data that is extracted from communities, Jane Addams points to a different mode of inquiry. This chapter introduces the theories and practices of the Hull House as an iterative and experimental process of inquiry— creating new knowledge in and through action, in a process of facing down pressing social chal-lenges. In particular it uses examples from the Hull House— which involved the design of the working people’s social science club, exhibitions on the industrial condition, and spaces for solidarity across class lines— to demonstrate the dialog-ical, creative, and cooperative potentials of social thought in the practice of Jane Addams and Hull House. Implications are explored in regards to what the model of Addams and Hull House can contribute to modes of social thought and design inquiry today.