In this timely book the path-breaking Introduction to Action Research by Greenwood and Levin (1998, 2007), is revitalized in the context of the current devastating state of the planet, ridden by conflicts and crises in relations between people and to nature. The book calls for and conveys the possibility of turning social science out of its prevalent modern observatory and analytical stance and into a mechanism for improvement without losing its critical-analytical capacity. A Call to Action Research by Greenwood, Ravn and Bartels, articulates through multiple cases and concrete illustrations, the potential and promise of action research as a knowledge-oriented mode of engaging with the current problems of our world. -- Lars Klemsdal, University of Oslo, Norway Greenwood, Ravn, and Bartels offer readers a clear-eyed and resolute call to action research. They encourage us to remain mindful of the many challenges we face but demand that we recommit to working together to achieve positive change. And they provide compelling evidence and examples of how action research can serve as a key strategy for this shared endeavor. Their sense of urgency must be our own. -- Mary Brydon-Miller, University of Louisville, USA By introducing the principles and practice of action research, unpacking its robust intellectual foundations and frameworks, and showing actual examples and testimonies of how it is applied successfully in practice, the book reads as an updated account of action research rather than just another introduction or manual on the topic. Greenwood, Ravn and Bartels assemble with exceptional rigor, depth and coherence a set of substantive reflections, experiences and learnings about action research dimensions, describing interesting cases in different contexts that demonstrate the diversity and rich possibilities of its creative application. At the same time the authors make a compelling call for young generations to join a movement where they can imagine new paths toward creating systemic change when confronting the social and ecological sustainability crises the world is experiencing globally today. -- Sonia M. Ospina, New York University, USA
