Participatory Action Research Approaches and Methods

Participatory Action Research (PAR) approaches and methods have seen increased interest in the social and environmental sciences. PAR involves collaborative research, education and action which is oriented towards social change, representing a major epistemological challenge to mainstream research traditions. It has recently been the subject of heated critique and debate, and rapid theoretical and methodological development. This book captures these developments, exploring the justification, theorisation, practice and implications of PAR. It offers a critical introduction to understanding and working with PAR in different social, spatial and institutional contexts. The authors aim to engage with PAR’s radical potential, while maintaining a critical awareness of its challenges and dangers.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the intellectual, ethical and pragmatic contexts of PAR; the development and diversity of approaches to PAR; recent poststructuralist perspectives on PAR as a form of power; the ethic of participation; and issues of safety and well-being. Part II is a critical exploration of the politics, places and practices of PAR. Contributors draw on diverse research experiences with differently situated groups and issues including environmentally sustainable practices, family livelihoods, sexual health, gendered experiences of employment, and specific communities such as people with disabilities, migrant groups, and young people. The principles, dilemmas and strategies associated with participatory approaches and methods including diagramming, cartographies, art, theatre, photovoice, video and geographical information systems are also discussed. Part III reflects on how effective PAR is, including the analysis of its products and processes, participatory learning, representation and dissemination, institutional benefits and challenges, and working between research, action, activism and change. The authors find that a spatial perspective and an attention to scale offer helpful means of negotiating the potentials and paradoxes of PAR. This approach responds to critiques of PAR by highlighting how the spatial politics of practising participation can be mobilised to create more effective and just research processes and outcomes.

Authors: Sara Kindon, Rachel Pain, Mike Kesby (eds.)
Published By: Routledge, 2008 Read More

Share this article:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Last articles in

The meeting was co-organised by Equity for Children in partnership with UNICEF and the Bristol Poverty Institute, at the University of Bristol, UK, who are collaborating on a research program to improve the international measurement of child and family poverty.
Cada dos años se realiza este gran evento en Manizales, Colombia, para reunir a los principales actores que llevan adelante programas e iniciativas de investigación y promoción comunitaria, barrial y gubernamental en la región de América Latina y el Caribe. Durante los cinco días que durará la Bienal, estaremos informándolos sobre las distintas actividades y […]

Quick search

Type any word of phrase you would like to search in the “Keyword field” and click on “Search” button.
You may also use the Advanced search tool to fine tune your search.

Keyword