Sindacato e ricerca : una riflessione storico/critica su un rapporto necessariamente complesso

Drawing on the author's long experience, the article investigates and discusses problems and potentials of the relationship between social academic research and political action -in this case trade union action. A typology of possible relations is discussed. In light also of the Weberian categories in 'Wissenschaft als Beruf', the reasons why the relationship between the two spheres cannot be but critical and instable, although also challenging and fruitful, are elaborated.