Ambivalent Activism: Working with Contradiction, Hesitation and Doubt for Social Change

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Deborah Gould (UC Santa Cruz) Maša Mrovlje (University of Leeds)

Ambivalent Activism

Working with Contradiction, Hesitation and Doubt for Social Change

Deborah Gould (UC Santa Cruz), Maša Mrovlje (University of Leeds), Alyson Cole (City University of New York) , Melody Howse (Leipzig University)

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English

Bristol University Press
09 October 2025

Family & health

What if doubt, hesitation and ambivalence weren't barriers to activism but powerful tools for change?

Challenging the idea that activism is fuelled only by anger or hope, this bold collection explores how activists across anti-racism, climate justice and mental health navigate uncertainty to sustain their work. Blending scholarship with on-the-ground perspectives, this book highlights ambivalence not as a weakness but as a dynamic force.

This is essential reading for anyone engaged in activism or emotional research, redefining what it means to feel and act for justice in a complex world.

Contributions by: Deborah Gould (UC Santa Cruz), Maša Mrovlje (University of Leeds), Alyson Cole (City University of New York), Melody Howse (Leipzig University), Adebayo Quadry-Adekanbi (University of Warwick)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529239737
ISBN 10: 1529239737
Pages: 214
Publication Date: 09 October 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Undergraduate , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Akwugo Emejulu is Chair of Sociological Studies at the University of Sheffield. Marlies Kustatscher is Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies at Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh. Callum McGregor is Senior Lecturer in Education at Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh.

Reviews for Ambivalent Activism: Working with Contradiction, Hesitation and Doubt for Social Change

‘Ambivalence is pervasive in activism but has far too long been neglected by scholars. This important and original collection explores the potential of ambivalence in a wide range of contexts’ Silke Roth, University of Southampton