Understanding impact and its enabling conditions: learning from people engaged in collaborative research

Abstract

This chapter illustrates two examples of collaborative research with women's groups, from an Australian research study, exploring how people make their lives in new places. It draws attention to some of the challenges and opportunities of collaborative social research. This analysis draws from the extensive body of theoretical work on social, participatory and activist research, community engagement and development practice, and the ongoing critique of these endeavours. Equally, this examination can be informed by the direct experiences of people engaging in collaborative social research and the impact and value they identify. As with much community development practice, collaborative social research seeks to make a positive difference in people's lives, and generate change or support social action so the drive for impact is embedded in the research intent.