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Participation, Power and Democracy: Exploring the Tensional Field between Empowerment and Constraint in Action Research

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  • Thorkildsen, Are

Abstract

The question of how to understand and approach the relationship between participation and power in Action Research is widely contested. Drawing on data and experiences gathered while taking part in a value-creation pilot in Norway (2007-2010), this paper seeks to fill a general void in the literature in terms of exploring the relationship between participation, power and democracy in participatory Action Research. The findings suggest the necessity of overcoming traditional dichotomies between pragmatic-constructivist and power-knowledge approaches to Action Research. By acknowledging the co-existence of both consensus and dissensus as natural parts of any development process, this paper argues that a more reflexive, democratic and actionable approach can be taken in navigating the unfolding tensional field between empowerment and constraint.

Suggested Citation

  • Thorkildsen, Are, 2013. "Participation, Power and Democracy: Exploring the Tensional Field between Empowerment and Constraint in Action Research," International Journal of Action Research, Rainer Hampp Verlag, vol. 9(1), pages 15-37.
    • Handle: RePEc:rai:ijares:doi_10.1688/1861-9916_ijar_2012_01_thorkildsen
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    Keywords

    participation; dialogic Action Research; democratisation; power/knowledge; Scandinavian work-life tradition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J53 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Labor-Management Relations; Industrial Jurisprudence
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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