Participatory Research as Social Work Practice

Social workers who are committed to empowerment and social change are likely to consider counseling, groupwork, community organizing, and social planning while overlooking research as another vehicle for carrying out their mission. There are numerous participatory research approaches that span the continuum from individual-level, to program-focused, to community-centered efforts to promote social change. For many social workers, it is a daunting task to consider the viability of implementing any of these approaches. This article helps with that decision-making process. It begins with a brief review of the conceptual foundations that underlie participatory research perspectives, highlighting common characteristics of these approaches. The benefits and shortcomings of implemented participatory research strategies are also provided. The article concludes with guidelines for the assessment of the readiness of the group and researcher to engage in participatory research, and for monitoring the ongoing process.