ISE is an independent think tank and research institute with an action
plan of experimenting the progressive ideas in the arena of social
transformation.
It is a non-profit society registered in Pune, Maharashtra under the
Indian Societies Registration Act of 1860 (section 21).
Constructive Social Engineering
The term `social engineering' is generally associated with a deductive
approach and a meaning of `getting some one else to comply to the wishes
of the other'. Often, development action has been criticized for being
`social engineering' due to top-down approach of information processing,
policy making, and implementation of projects with disguised agenda of
`progress without people'. Constructive social engineering reverses this
paradigm.
One of the important thrust areas of ISE is to critically engage in
discourses on how information and knowledge is created for social
change. On the one hand, an appreciation for the knowledge base of the
subaltern sections of society is the key guiding principle. On the other
hand, skepticism to the deductive approaches from the grand theories
guide our research and inquiry.
Therefore, we are interested in context-dependent knowledge, which could
be used to enhance the intervention in the pursuit of creating a better
society.
In this process, our research agenda is primarily to unravel various
mechanisms at work in the social processes. This requires a departure
from problem-oriented research, designed to test theories, to a research
agenda of engaging with people and learning from them.
Objectives
Promote a bottom-up dialogical process between research and developmental
action to facilitate learning from different parts of the world
To document and build a database for development policy and action through
rigorous research by promoting network of rural people, scholars, and policy
makers on a global scale.
To identify talented individuals and innovative models of progress from
disadvantaged communities, and encourage them providing logistical support to
make these ideas viable for wider application.
Provide training, support and technical advice for appropriate technology
in rural areas.