Participatory Community-Based Research

Abstract

The research framework of participatory community-based research is most known as community-based participatory research (CBPR) and is presented with many names and acronyms throughout the literature in social work and other fields of study, including CBPR, participatory action research (PAR), youth PAR, feminist PAR, and community-based PAR. This bibliography describes articles that use varied names for this concept but have similar objectives. At the core of community participant-centered research is including community members in the design, development, and decisions of the research to ensure outcomes that serve their identified needs. These research outcomes are specific to the identified individuals or community, which makes this type of research notably nongeneralizable. Although much can be learned about process, approach, and impact by considering a CBPR project, each community’s research design and outcomes would likely be very different from others when using a CBPR approach. General details about CBPR and similar research frameworks are described in the General Works section, featuring articles and textbooks that describe the steps of carrying out these research projects, including building trust, addressing issues of power, and centering community. The different approaches to CBPR are shown through diverse articles and textbooks on specific stances that researchers and scholars can choose from when thinking about how to work with or learn about specific communities. There is also an opportunity to merge the varied approaches expressed in this bibliography, as the community and research team deems appropriate. A core ethic of the CBPR framework is addressing issues of power, privilege, and oppression in the community, between researchers and participants, and in wider society. CBPR has a nimbleness that allows it to be implemented in multiple settings with different types of people. The current literature highlights that this research framework can be carried out in the context of myriad crises—global pandemics, environmental disasters, and the demise of democracy. Social work research and practice spans varied topics that would align with the CBPR framework. In an effort to align with the social work practice and community concerns, the identified social work topics are CBPR projects centered on Race and Racism, Health and Mental Health Equity, issues Across the Lifespan, and LGBTQ Community concerns. These topics are addressed from a global perspective, including articles from various countries around the globe. This global approach is important given our interconnected world. Technology is also a consistent part of the global society. Therefore, it is an important topic to consider when we think about its impact on communities and how CBPR and technology can merge to yield positive outcomes.