Intimidation as epistemological violence against social science conservation research

Area of Science:

• Conservation Social Science
• Biodiversity Research
• Environmental Justice

Background:

• Social scientists contribute to conservation but face resistance when analyzing power structures.
• Intimidation tactics target research findings across fieldwork, publication, and public dissemination.
• Diverse actors, including funders and conservation organizations, may engage in these practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and define intimidation faced by conservation social scientists.
• To introduce the concept of "epistemological violence" to describe these silencing practices.
• To analyze the implications of intimidation for conservation science and practice.

Main Methods:

• Examination of diverse personal experiences of intimidation.
• Analysis of intimidation tactics including legal threats, character assassination, and job exclusion.
• Identification of actors involved in suppressing research and their motivations.

Main Results:

• Intimidation takes various forms and occurs at multiple stages of the research process.
• Epistemological violence, a form of intimidation, suppresses critical perspectives and hinders conservation effectiveness.
• Such practices negatively impact individuals, the conservation community, and local populations.

Conclusions:

• Epistemological violence poses a significant threat to conservation social science and academic integrity.
• Addressing intimidation is crucial for advancing effective, just, and collaborative conservation.
• Protecting critical research is essential for a well-functioning academia and successful conservation outcomes.