Documentary Method and Participatory Research: Some Interfaces

Abstract

"As the pluralisation of spheres of life emerged, qualitative research became
\nmore relevant to study social relations. In an attempt to recognise
\nthe potential of the documentary method and of participatory research for
\nthe study of issues concerning the social and educational experiences of
\nsubjects, this article proposes to present conceptual and methodological
\nframeworks of both approaches. Initially we explain the historical context
\nof participatory research and also present the frameworks of reference of
\nthis approach. Then we discuss the documentary method developed in
\nGermany since the 1980s based on Karl Mannheim’s sociology of knowledge.
\nFurthermore the authors describe the ethnographic route of two
\nexperiments in research with young Brazilians in different socio-spatial
\ncontexts. These experiments were guided by the assumptions of the documentary
\nmethod, but also by principles that establish points in common
\nwith the assumptions of participatory research." (author's abstract)