Using PAR to Promote Social Justice for Older People and People with Intellectual Disabilities

Katie Wright-Bevans,Michael Richards

doi:10.1177/1940844720934367

Abstract

Qualitative research methods and participatory action research (PAR) share many intrinsic and complementary qualities. We present two cases, one adopted a broader PAR approach, a health promotion project with men with intellectual disabilities, and the other used participatory methods within a longitudinal qualitative study exploring the benefits of community choir participation. We discuss the nature of the methods adopted and how they helped and hindered both research projects. We conclude that despite some common challenges, qualitative studies can benefit from drawing on PAR principles.

Highlights

Qualitative research methods and participatory action research (PAR) share many intrinsic and complementary qualities
Qualitative research methods, through text, language, observation, and other various means, have the capacity to embrace the richness of human experience including social context, lived experience, understanding, personal and shared narratives (Willig, 2013)
The aim of this article is to illustrate the potential of PAR methods for enhancing the quality and impact of qualitative research

Summary

A Health Promotion Project with Men with Intellectual Disabilities

This first case study aimed to explore the experiences of a group of men with intellectual disabilities in a health promotion project. Stephen recalled having a great time being involved with the project and contributing to the development of the community exhibition, which showcased the work of the men over the course of the 45 workshops He felt proud to have engaged with new and old activities; for example, he had previously enjoyed writing poetry and did so in this group and engaged in sculpture, which he had never done before. There are various means of ensuring questions matter, from consulting with the community to developing questions from data already collected with that particular community

A World Café to Explore the Benefits of Participation in a Community Choir

Concluding Thoughts