Embedded Files
Lewin, K. (n.d.) No research without action, No action without research . [Clip art]. Picture Quotes. http://www.picturequotes.com/no-research-without-action-no-action-without-research-quote-825993
PAR has been informed by participatory research traditions globally and through time (ICPHR, 2013).
PAR has evolved from the area of Action Research, pioneered by Kurt Lewin in the 1940s, which believed strongly in community engagement and that the introduction of action within and by a community has the power to both change a social system and generate new knowledge within it (Fine et al., 2021; Savin-Baden & Wimpenny, 2007; Susman & Evered, 1978).
PAR was further refined by Gerald Susman and Roger Evered in the 1970s through their critique of positivist science and its application to organizational research. Susman and Evered felt that positivist science was generating facts that were useful to researchers who read them, but not of assistance to practitioners who need apply them (Bhattacherjee, 2012, p.107; Susman & Evered, 1978).
PAR came about through a desire to understand the influence of history, culture, and local context on social issues and how change in social relationships could influence change more broadly to create more democratic and inclusive societies (Baum et al., 2006; ICPHR, 2013).
PAR draws on multiple theories and ways of knowing, including notably:
Critical Theory – Which aims to identify and understand the socially constructed assumptions that maintain power imbalances and prevent full participation, as well as offer solutions to change them (Baum et al., 2006; Crossman, 2020); Critical theorists are committed to reflexivity, equity, and the democratic production of knowledge (Fine et al., 2021);
Constructivism - Which believes that the generation and retainment of knowledge is constructed by individuals through meaningful participation and the incorporation of past experience (Baum et al., 2006).
Existentialism – Which highlights the importance of human choice, values, and actions, and their ability to impact human development (Susman & Evered, 1978, p. 596); and
Phenomenology – Which focuses on the importance of subjective experiences as the basis for knowledge which can be applied in the generation of improved understanding of persons or groups (Susman & Evered, 1978, p. 596)
PAR was originally used mainly in low-income countries to conduct needs assessments, as well as the planning and evaluation of health services (Baum et al., 2006).
Google Sites
Report abuse