Finding a place for my research to belong: experiences of early-career social work participatory action researchers in neoliberal academia. (1st August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kramer, Catherine S.; Cosgrove, Darren; Mountz, Sarah; Lee, Eunwoo
• Is Part Of: Critical and radical social work. Volume 9:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 269
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2021-08-01
• Subjects: participatory action research -- community-based participatory action research -- higher education -- neoliberalism -- social work research; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1332/204986020X16031175005938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-8608

Abstract

Abstract : Social workers face complex challenges that demand practice-engaged research and research-engaged practice. Participatory action research and community-based participatory research span the boundaries that often exist between the research and practice communities. Some social workers argue the values underpinning participatory action research and community-based participatory research align with the values of the profession; however, such methodologies are not widely represented in social work research in the US. This article presents the findings of a study examining the lived experiences of 15 early-career scholars, mostly based in the US, who were pursuing participatory action research and community-based participatory research. The neoliberalisation of the academy pervaded their experiences, presenting significant barriers to their ability to pursue action-oriented methodologies. Review of the international participatory action research literature also suggests the US may contrast with other regions in the world like Asia and Latin America, where participatory action research is more robust. Recommendations to better develop participatory action research social work literature are offered.