The Roles and Responsibilities of Action Research Networks in Times of Crisis: Lessons from the Action Research Network of the Americas

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore the perceived roles of action research networks during times of crisis and then consider our own experiences grappling with our responsibilities as members of the Action Research Network of the Americas (ARNA) in highlighting and building solidarity through its Knowledge Democracy Initiative and Social Solidarity Project. To critically reflect on our work, we consider the usefulness of Gaventa’s (1991) three strategies for knowledge democratization to action research networks in “perilous” times and the responsibility of action research scholars-advocates-activists-participants to anchor our work in an ethos of knowledge democracy. In conclusion, we issue a call to embrace critical, participatory forms of action research, and creative, new pathways for the work of knowledge democracy.