Participatory Activist Research in the Globalised World

text is fueled by the fire of social critique; the energy and exhaustion of collective engagement; the deliberate dethroning of expertise; the surprise of new solidarities and new findings. The text is, further, imbued with a sweet manifesto on the responsibilities of activist professionals; the need for cross sector solidarity; the invigoration of cultural work, with allies, for justice.

 

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.

 

 

Richard Tinning, Professor of Pedagogy & Physical Education, The University of Queensland, Australia.

As the screws of new liberal thinking and policy tighten on the helping professions, the boundaries between Left and Right are increasingly being blurred, the spaces to find support from like-minded (and spirited) colleagues seem to be diminishing. Resistance seems futile against the juggernaut of performativity and evidence-based practice (of the measured kind). Opportunities for public solidarity are limited and we are forced further into individualist oriented practices.

Enter Participatory Activist Research (PAtR). This form of Action Research with its roots in critical theory has empowerment possibilities for participants. PAtR is collaborative in nature and through considerable ongoing dialogue between participants it is possible to achieve a level of trust and mutual support that can facilitate praxis as informed, committed action.

Activists have to stick their heads up over the parapet (not merely above the pulpit!). But it is dangerous to do so. It takes passion, belief and a certain lack of self-regard for one's safety. However, as the authors of Participatory Activist Research reveal, there are examples of praxis and empowerment from across the range of helping professions and these examples can serve to give us hope. Hope for professional renewal in the face of an arid audit culture and hope for a more informed collectivist future.

 

Noeline Alcorn, Emeritus Professor, Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, The University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand

This book will be a valuable resource for emerging researchers in the field.  Situated clearly and unambiguously in an activist social justice framework, it discusses a range of theoretical, philosophical and practical issues and examples. Far more than a "how-to" text it nevertheless provides succinct, step-by-step guidance while never deviating from its critical stance. It speaks directly to its readers and is a book for researchers will return to often. It deserves a wide readership