Bridging the gap of knowledge and action: A case for participatory action research (PAR)

November 19, 2015

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What is the purpose of knowledge? Is it an end product only, or a means for action for change? Who is expected to take action – the researcher, research subjects, both, or some unknown others who may come across the knowledge produced? The larger question then is: is it health research, or research for health, equity and development? This article raises these concerns in context of a study conducted in Pakistan entitled Women’s Empowerment in Muslim Contexts (WEMC). It proposes, especially, in resource poor countries, combining health research with Paolo Freire’s view of participation and change, and sees action by research participants as an outcome of the development of their critical consciousness.

Khan, K. S., Bawani, S. A. A., & Aziz, A. (2013). Bridging the gap of knowledge and action: A case for participatory action research (PAR). Action Research, 11(2), 157-175.