In defence of fluff: or, why we refuse to let our research save the world

Abstract

The paper starts from the claim that research has become highly serious business, which it characterises as 'stuff'. It analyses the concerns it takes up, the good/s it offers, and the claims it makes or are made for it. It notes the current context of regulation or research and the responses these call forth, in the form of markers of quality It argues, however, that the refinement of these markers and the extension of the scope of their application within a globalising of the business of research, has potentially negative impacts on academics in many parts of the world, and thus undermines attempts to pursue some of its concerns. It not only argues for, but seeks to embody, an approach to research which deliberately problematises and challenges common practices for claiming to offer truth and to direct practice. In short, the paper argues for a 'lighter', more modest approach to research, which it characterises as 'fluff'.