Using research to build power: the Pittsburgh Wage study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Social workers seek to address numerous forms of oppression. While our research has focused on extensively documenting problems, solutions often remain out of grasp. Many schools of social work remain entrenched in traditional academic structures focused on narrow measures of academic success and impact. This article critiques these measures, proposing a framework for using research to build community power for societal impact. Using the Pittsburgh Wage Study as a case study, it argues engaged research offers an opportunity to move from documenting problems to demonstrating how research can build the power of community groups involved in developing solutions. Based on our experiences, we offer a framework for using research to build power, arguing we need to build relationships by showing up and listening, center the questions our partners want answered, use multiple methods and approaches, move quickly when asked, develop a broad set of products outside of journal articles, and embrace politics where needed.