Brokering Knowledge with Tempered Criticality: A Network Analysis of Amici in DACA Policy Discourse
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| Title: | Brokering Knowledge with Tempered Criticality: A Network Analysis of Amici in DACA Policy Discourse |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Raquel Muñiz (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. 2026 48(2):703-733. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: | Undocumented Immigrants, Court Litigation, Federal Courts, Educational Research, Research Utilization, Educational Policy, Networks |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: | Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) |
| DOI: | 10.3102/01623737251358220 |
| ISSN: | 0162-3737 1935-1062 |
| Abstract: | Research can be brokered to the courts to accurately contextualize policy issues and identify transformative solutions that counter inequity. Using a critical lens, we studied this phenomenon, examining the networks that amici formed as they brokered knowledge in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) case before the Supreme Court. We analyzed four bipartite networks across different dimensions of the research amici used (i.e., venue types, methodologies, authors, and arguments). Our findings suggest that in brokering knowledge, amici exhibited what we term "tempered criticality" rather than seeking to influence broader transformational change. Yet, it is important to recognize that their behavior is informed by their embedded context and the limitations of the legal system in creating systemic change. We discuss implications for research and policy. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505776 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Research can be brokered to the courts to accurately contextualize policy issues and identify transformative solutions that counter inequity. Using a critical lens, we studied this phenomenon, examining the networks that amici formed as they brokered knowledge in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) case before the Supreme Court. We analyzed four bipartite networks across different dimensions of the research amici used (i.e., venue types, methodologies, authors, and arguments). Our findings suggest that in brokering knowledge, amici exhibited what we term "tempered criticality" rather than seeking to influence broader transformational change. Yet, it is important to recognize that their behavior is informed by their embedded context and the limitations of the legal system in creating systemic change. We discuss implications for research and policy. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0162-3737 1935-1062 |
| DOI: | 10.3102/01623737251358220 |
