Participatory Research and Participatory Social Action

Abstract

Research and action are often treated as separate activities, yet they constantly shape and reinforce one another. This paper examines the ways in which traditional social research has been tied to top-down models of social action, both marked by external control, imported methods, and limited participation. Against this backdrop, it highlights the emergence of participatory social action as a new paradigm that redistributes power, values local knowledge, and defines success through collective learning and empowerment rather than abstract indicators. The paper argues that participatory research must find its place within this shift, developing practices that equalise power, draw on community resources, and produce outcomes that matter to the people most directly involved.