Participatory research-Popular knowledge and power

Abstract

This article includes two chapters about the concepts of knowledge and creation of a monopoly over social science research along with offering an alternative in the form of participatory research. The first chapter discusses knowledge within the context of economic failure and the role of universities in the new international order. It talks about the commodification of knowledge which has facilitated capitalist dependency and an uneven development in third world countries. It further discusses the monopoly created over knowledge by a small group of elites to serve their own interests. Indigenous education around the world appears to be absent from the universal body of knowledge. The paper then discusses in detail about how research and social scientists are being used by institutions to impose bureaucratic and ideological control. It criticises the traditional research methods and opens discussion on an alternative methodology, in the form of participatory research. The next chapter further explores the concept of participatory research, its origin, and its characteristics. It talks about the importance of popular forms of knowledge and how it is linked with social transformation. It emphasizes the need for participatory research processes to be working within the frameworks of social movements. The chapter concludes with presenting some points to shape the future of participatory research.