Caring Action Research: Lessons learned from performing research with(in) care

This paper bridges care ethics (Tronto, Noddings) with action research (AR), introducing Caring Action Research (CAR) as a framework for understanding AR as a caring practice. Based on a study conducted with a Danish elderly care department and a vocational college for care workers, the research employs design-based trials to facilitate shared inquiry into challenging situations in care work and education. The analysis reveals key dynamics: participants’ mutual recognition; the negotiation of power relations; and the collaborative development of design-based trials. CAR emerges as a valuable approach to addressing professional and educational challenges, rooted in caring ethics.