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I am currently working, with Moraene Roberts of ATD Fourth World, on a
project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to write an overview of
participatory research on poverty.
Participatory research can be defined as research which involves those being
researched (in this case, people living in poverty) having more authority,
control and influence. The phrase itself - participatory research on
poverty - is well known in the 'south' of the globe, but not so well known
here. The report will focus on the UK in particular; on poverty; and on
research (rather than wider issues of participation of people in poverty in
decision-making etc).
Although the report can't include an account of every small community
research project, we are keen not to omit any important debates going on in
this field; major organisations engaged in this kind of research; or key
texts, either on the relevant methodology or reporting on particular
participatory research projects.
We are interested in participation at all stages of the research process -
eg agenda setting, design, fieldwork, writing up, dissemination etc. There
may be some very good examples of participation at certain stages which we
could learn from, even if the whole project was not participatory. What we
are hoping for is to be able to learn from what has gone before, even it it
was not ideal. Examples of where it has not worked well, and the reasons why
this occurred, could also be helpful.
I should be very grateful for any suggested contacts and/or reading. Many
thanks in advance!
Fran Bennett
Department of Social Policy and Social Work
University of Oxford
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