This dissertation examines how scholars in technical and professional communication conduct research related to social justice. I define social justice research, then identify and visualize disciplinary activity related to social justice over a 10 year (2006-2016) time span. Using data visualizations and critical computations as a methodological heuristic, I present the practices of four scholars conducting social justice research to offer thematic data narratives. I found that scholars can... Show moreThis dissertation examines how scholars in technical and professional communication conduct research related to social justice. I define social justice research, then identify and visualize disciplinary activity related to social justice over a 10 year (2006-2016) time span. Using data visualizations and critical computations as a methodological heuristic, I present the practices of four scholars conducting social justice research to offer thematic data narratives. I found that scholars can enact social justice when they intentionally integrate principles of advocacy and reciprocity across the arcs of their research processes. Advocacy occurs when researchers negotiate, accommodate and facilitate justice across research settings, throughout research processes, and with research partners. Reciprocity occurs when researchers structure opportunities to exchange knowledge, labor, and resources with participants and related peoples, communities, organizations, and nonprofits. The data from 960 conference presentations and four semi-structured interviews with technical communication researchers reveals that technical communication as a field has commitments to inclusion, public action, and increasing individual agency. Social justice researchers enact these commitments through their research processes, across research contexts, and with various research partners. Show less
