Participatory action research as a research approach: advantages, limitations and criticisms

Abstract

Purpose

How can people with lived experiences of marginalisation actively participate in contesting their marginalisation? This article aims to review the literature on PAR as a research approach. It will first describe what PAR means and consider this approach's particular features. The paper will go on to explore the advantages, limitations and criticisms of this approach to research.

Design/methodology/approach

How can people with lived experiences of marginalisation actively participate in contesting their marginalisation? The approach of this paper is to provide needed viewpoint discussion on Participatory Action Research (PAR) advantages, limitations and criticisms. PAR is mostly a qualitative research approach that takes account of researchers and participants collaborating to investigate social issues and take actions to bring about social change.

Findings

The aim of (PAR) is to systematically collect and analyse data to take action and make a change by generating practical knowledge. However, PAR as an approach to research has advantages and disadvantages. Also, PAR as an approach can be a problematic tool for facilitators and communities to apply due to power relations within the research process. However, PAR can help the praxis of collective critical consciousness of the participation and democratisation of participants presented in studies where this approach is used. Although a PAR approach can be an unknown and challenging tool, it is a path through which communities can explore their society and ignite to change it.

Originality/value

This paper provides a discussion of the critical consciousness value of PAR that seeks to bring academics, researchers and practitioners to the approach to primarily qualitative research methodology that should be understood with advantages, limitations (ethical challenges) and criticisms.

Citation

De Oliveira, B. (2023), "Participatory action research as a research approach: advantages, limitations and criticisms", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 287-297. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-08-2022-0101