Scientific research entangled in the context of social needs. A practical example of the implementation of the evaluation criterion social impact: original research project Popular Legal Culture

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of evaluating the scientific activities of universities in Poland and around the world in relation to the new, third evaluation criterion: the qualitatively measured impact of scientific activities on the functioning of society and the economy. The context of the text is a broadly understood critical analysis of universities' policies towards contemporary social problems: exclusion, poverty, helplessness, ignorance of rights and obligations. Social impact, as one of the three criteria for assessing scientific units, has a chance to become a tool for eliminating social inequalities. It is an idea of broadly understood social policy to involve universities in social life. Thanks to the new tasks given to researchers, they have a real chance to improve the world around them and look at local problems and challenges. The text will present the original idea of a research team whose aim is to spread the legal awareness of students of pedagogy and social work, as well as teachers working in schools and social workers working with the socially excluded.