From voice to knowledge: participatory action research, inclusive debate and feminism

Abstract

This article discusses the relations between participatory action research and feminist research, through an examination of the metaphor of ‘voice’ and its possible replacement with the idea of ‘knowledge.’ The article describes in detail a participatory action research project undertaken in Israel, which was aimed at forging an inclusive debate through collaboration between people living in poverty, academics, policy‐makers, social practitioners, and social activists. Drawing on this example the article explores the possibilities and challenges for furthering social change through participatory action research.