Participatory action research

Participatory action research (PAR) is an approach to that prioritizes the value of experiential knowledge for tackling problems caused by unequal and harmful social systems, envisioning implementing alternatives. PAR involves participation leadership those people experiencing issues, who take produce emancipatory change, through conducting systematic generate new knowledge. This Primer sets out key considerations design a project. The core introduces six building blocks project design: relationships; establishing working practices; common understanding issue; observing, gathering generating materials; collaborative analysis; planning taking action. We discuss challenges faced projects, namely, mismatches with institutional infrastructure; risks co-option; power inequalities; decentralizing control. To counter such challenges, researchers may build PAR-friendly networks infrastructures; cultivate critical community hold them account; use reflexivity; redistribute powers; learn trust process. PAR’s societal contribution methodological development, we argue, can best be advanced engaging contemporary movements demand redressingl inequities recognition situated expertise. In this Primer, Cornish et al. set ways overcome projects.