10/08/2010
Feminist Participatory Action Research
Feminist Participatory Action Research
Definition:
" FPAR is a conceptual and methodological framework that
enables a critical understanding of women’s multiple perspectives and works
towards inclusion, participation, and action, while confronting the underlying
assumptions researchers bring into the research process" (Reid et al., 2006, p. 316).
Application:
Feminist participatory action researchers seek to facilitate building knowledge to change the conditions of women’s lives, both individually and collectively, while reconstructing conceptions
of power so that power can be used in a responsible manner (Reid et al., 2006, p. 317). Researchers work with the women that they are trying to give a voice to in their research. It is research conducted by women for women.
Adaptation:
The women that participated in this study are white. It would be beneficial to develop a framework that is inclusive and that gives a voice to women of color. Although all women face discrimination based on their gender, not all women are alike. Therefore, designing frameworks that take into consideration differences among women, for example, ethnic differences, would be beneficial because it would increase the level of awareness for issues that are specific to women of color.
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Application: Feminist participatory action researchers use grass roots organizing techniques to build a voice for women. Research drives policy, and when this concept/theory is applied to community organizing work, a voice is given to women, and change will be the outcome.
ReplyDeleteAdaptation: It would be very interesting to see this theory/concept adapted in a corporate business setting where women are often discriminated against on basis of their gender. It would be interesting to see Feminist Participatory Action Researchers hold trainings in the office buildings of these business women. These trainings will allow business women the tools they need to conduct research about their positions and it would help raise awareness of women's issues in the workplace, while simultaneously giving power and a voice to women who are often times oppressed within the walls of the office.