Participatory research: An alternative

Abstract

This paper by Dr. Rajesh Tandon examines the evolution of the knowledge industry and its impact on the interconnected domains of social science research and social development. He argues that the growing monopoly of knowledge production is controlled by professionals and experts who determine what constitutes ‘legitimate knowledge’ and ‘subjective opinion,’ which is built upon a top-down approach similar to the natural sciences. The paper identifies three salient features of social science research methodology that perpetuate this monopoly and thus require critical assessment. Subsequently, participatory research is presented as an alternative to conventional social science methodology. He traces the historical roots of participatory research and presents several characteristics that distinguish it from conventional inquiry. The chapter further compares the two research methodologies across three critical dimensions of problem definition, data collection and analysis, and utilization of results. It also presents some ambiguities about participatory research around its objectives, roles of researchers and participants, its methods, and its results. The paper concludes by emphasizing its link to contemporary social movements and the importance of strengthening them.