The Failure of, and Oppression Perpetuated by, Academic Fiefdoms

 Let's end academic fiefdoms. They exist, and we see them constantly in written formats. 

As I completed a #blind-review of an #academic paper and was bothered; deeply. The literature review, where the work of others is recognized, was sparse. 

Here are five reasons why it should not be:

First, the methodology suffers. 

Without understanding how others in the field examined the problem one's #methodology suffers. The implementation of many researched #practices also occur in other #states where #scholars have deployed a range of #analytical #methods to understand on-the-ground perspectives. Ideally, literature reviews empower scholars to leverage the analytical thoughtfulness published by others. 

Second, the discussion is shallow.

A literature review pulling findings from existing scholars situates findings and discussions within a richer context allowing one to detail how the findings are similar too, or different from, existing studies.

Third, uninformed next steps.

How could one propose next steps and needed studies without first recognizing those that already exist through a comprehensive literature review that have considered the very questions an author may pose absent an awareness of other work?

Fourth, a stunted starting point.

failing to reference similar works is a disservice to scholars who may use your reference list as a jumping off point for further study. Literature reviews not only ensure reviewers and readers that the author(s) are grounded in the literature, they serve to inform the next generation of scholars who would check your reference list to ensure theirs is completed. 

Finally, oppressing the work of others. 

By failing to conduct a thorough literature review you are thwarting the contributions of new and existing scholars in the field. In a concrete way, they don’t get the #citation count helpful to #tenure. Some of these newer scholars are at less known institutions and have already experienced #marginalization in others areas of their life. The failure to recognize their contributions does a real harm to efforts to advance racially just and #equitable #opportunity to the #professorate. 

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