Lunchtime Seminar: How the Conservative Right Distorts Social Science Research to Validate Its Causes: A Case Study

November 20, 2008

Wellesley, MA– Usually when right-wing researchers disseminate biased research posing as objective social science, mainstream and liberal opponents criticize the conclusions reached and the policies that flow from them. But equally important is the misuse of standard social science methodology in the research. Using marriage promotion as a case study, Jean Hardisty, Senior Scholar at the Wellesley Centers for Women, will discuss how the Right generates misleading “research” in think tanks, then uses its political, media, academic, and legislative allies to build consensus in support of the flawed results.

Lunchtime Seminar Series programs are free and open to the public. Held Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30 in the Cheever House Library, the seminars highlight the work of Wellesley Centers for Women researchers and program staff. For more information, call 781.283.2500 or visit www.wcwonline.org.  

Since 1974, the Wellesley Centers for Women has been a driving force—both behind the scenes and in the spotlight—promoting positive change for women, children, and families. Work at WCW addresses three major areas: the status of women and girls and the advancement of their human rights both in the United States and around the globe; the education, care, and development of children and youth; and the emotional well-being of families and individuals. Issues of diversity and equity are central across all the work as are the experiences and perspectives of women from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.