Insider participatory action research in disadvantaged post-industrial areas

Abstract

This article examines the authentic experience of those who live in a community categorized as disadvantaged as they enter into a radical action research process that entails them adopting a changed role while remaining community members and how they manage the tensions involved in this process. It explores, in their own words, the experience of these researchers as they encounter the struggle, conflict and often injustice inherent in the process of community regeneration and how these tensions are managed and sometimes resolved both within the community and within themselves. These Community Based Action Researchers (CBAR) have no formal research training but they bring a wealth of local knowledge, understanding and engagement that no amount of formal training could provide. These locally based researchers work in partnership with more formally trained researchers and professionals to utilise action research as an effective methodology for tackling the problems faced by the community.