Issues of equity and empowerment in knowledge democracy: Three community based research examples

Abstract

Participatory action research, particularly the Collaborative Inquiry methodology of Heron and Reason has great promise for knowledge democracy. However, an elegant methodology cannot always prepare the researcher for the reality of engaging with disempowered groups, or from stumbling in the unknown territory of marginalization. In this paper, I describe three examples of collaborative research, two with Aboriginal communities aimed at increasing access to health services and one with non-profit organizations aimed at increasing collaboration. Each case presented an opportunity to learn that, despite good intentions and collaborative processes, there remain issues we cannot anticipate. Our dilemmas and the ways in which my research colleagues, our community partners and I resolved the problems are described. I conclude with lessons learned from the three cases and reflections on validity, equity and empowerment.