What Is Participatory Action Research?

Abstract Chapter 1 outlines the key characteristics of Participatory Action Research (PAR), a methodology or approach that privileges active involvement of people with lived experiences, or co-researchers, to generate findings and strategies to effect change. The author explains how participatory research models can lead to social justice outcomes and the significance of co-research and co-production of new knowledge. The chapter focuses on eight underpinning principles of PAR: It involves disruption of traditional research approaches; reciprocal benefits; trust; deep engagement; social change; intersectionality; co-researchers’ agendas; and a challenge to power differentials. The author outlines how academic…