Action research was conceived as a method of collaborative,
self-reflective problem-solving in a community context. Yet many believe
it has evolved too far away from its original, directly activist roots.
As a direct response to calls for a rejuvenation of the social agenda of
'action research', this volume provides an all-inclusive road map to
generating and implementing politically active grass-roots research
activities. It is a priceless practical guide for the newly minted
researcher wanting to make a tangible difference in their profession and
in the world. Where some action research models have been criticized for
losing focus on the participatory and social justice roots of this type
of research, this book puts social justice activism squarely center
stage, guiding the researcher through the theoretical, methodological
and practical considerations and constraints of developing, implementing
and sustaining research in the cultural professions.
Lcating and contextualizing the history and theory of action research,
critical theory and other related methodologies and concepts, this
volume takes the reader on a journey that begins with the formation of a
question, puzzle or research idea right through to the publication of a
report on your finished project. Including discrete sections on every
stage in the process, from generating a social justice activism agenda,
through forming a team and empowering participants, to ensuring the
implementation of your agenda and publishing and disseminating your
work. Engaging their readers with a fresh acronym,
PAtR--Participatory Activist Research--the authors give
fresh impetus to those looking for a systematic way to understand and
shape practice in their daily work, their profession and their world.
This is an outstanding book that represents a critical research process
sorely needed in the academy today. Any researcher interested in making
an intervention into the egregious social conditions wrought by
neoliberal capitalism would do well to read this book. An important
contribution to the literature on research methodology.
Peter McLaren, Professor, School of Critical Studies in Education,
University of Auckland
This is an outstanding book that represents a critical research process
sorely needed in the academy today. Any researcher interested in making
an intervention into the egregious social conditions wrought by
neoliberal capitalism would do well to read this book. An important
contribution to the literature on research methodology.
Peter McLaren, Professor, School of Critical Studies in Education,
University of Auckland
