Understanding PAR

At its core, Participatory Action Research, PAR, challenges the conventional top-down approach to research, which often marginalizes certain voices and perpetuates existing power dynamics. Instead, PAR seeks to democratize the research process, empowering individuals and communities to actively engage in the co-creation of knowledge and the pursuit of social change.

In a PAR framework, researchers and participants come together as equal partners, sharing knowledge, experiences, and perspectives in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. This egalitarian approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants but also generates more robust and relevant insights that reflect the diverse realities of the communities being studied.

What is PAR?

Participatory Action Research, PAR, centers on equal participation to learn with and learn about in shared roles in becoming change agents.Participatory Action Research (PAR) represents a paradigm shift in the traditional research landscape, emphasizing collaborative inquiry, shared decision-making, and equitable participation among all stakeholders.

The Action Research Cycle has four distinct characteristics and are integral to each workshop.

  1. Plan

  2. Do/Observe

  3. Reflect

  4. Act

Advantages of PAR

Empowerment and Ownership

By actively involving participants in all stages of the research, from problem identification to data analysis and decision-making, PAR fosters a sense of ownership and agency, empowering participants to shape their own narratives and solutions.

Contextual Relevance and Authenticity

By centering on the realities of those directly affected by the research topic, PAR generates insights and solutions that are grounded in local contexts and reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.

Capacity Building and Skill Development:

Through active engagement in research activities such as data collection, analysis, and action planning, participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that empower them to become change agents in their communities.

Social Transformation and Collective Action

By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and solidarity among diverse stakeholders, PAR builds bridges across social divides, strengthens social networks, and mobilizes collective resources towards common goals, ultimately leading to meaningful and sustainable change.