How are action researchers contributing to knowledge democracy? A global perspective
Abstract
Although action research has been widely recognized as an appropriate
methodology for promoting the democratization of knowledge,
it is not always conducted from an emancipatory and
transformative paradigm. Using AR in a technical way, renders it
no more than a researcher-driven, problem-solving heuristic that
perpetuates the intellectual colonization of local knowledge. This
begs the question: how can action researchers work in ways that
are contextually and culturally relevant, and generate knowledge
that enables people to take control of improving their own lives as
they see fit? This paper presents a thematic analysis of the narrative
reports from seven participatory workshops held around the
world for the purpose of dialoging around this and related questions.
Findings indicate that, generally, action researchers are
indeed facing challenges on many personal, institutional and epistemic
levels as they endeavor to promote knowledge derived from
the principles of authentic participation and dialogue with those
whom it is intended to benefit. However, the analysis also reveals
creative responses of practitioners to these challenges. In keeping
with the special issue theme, we offer this analysis as a starting
point for further discussion around how we can mobilize knowledge
for equitable social progress.
Collections
- Faculty of Education [756]