Community Research as Empowerment

Book excerpt: This volume is an invitation to reshape ways of carrying out research for social action so that we critically analyze and responsibly use power at all stages of the research. Research as Empowerment encourages "feminist links" for carrying out an agenda of empowerment, while ensuring "postmodern interruptions" to keep from fixing onto any one analysis or solution of complex social issues. The text provides in-depth examples and research instruments used in the authors' studies with shelters, young people, lesbians, aboriginal women and others committed to ending violence against women and children and creating democratic organizations. Each example reveals a process of affirming real people and distinct cultures while at the same time disrupting categories that are socially constructed as a way to uncover the working of power. Throughout this volume ways are suggested that members of community groups, government departments and universities can join together in research as empowerment.