What techniques and tools can facilitate meaningful participation in participatory action research? The case of OpenEmbassy

Abstract

This thesis responds to the challenges of meaningful participation in Participatory Action Research (PAR), a critical issue that existing literature highlights. Scholars emphasize that meaningful participation depends on the ability of participatory action researchers to critically reflect on power and positionality, and to incorporate diverse forms of knowledge. Through a case study of OpenEmbassy, an organization that conducts PAR with marginalized communities, I explore practical tools and techniques that support meaningful participation in alignment with the priorities identified with the literature. My research is in the form of engaged fieldwork, participant observations, and interviews, and it identifies key tools and techniques that OpenEmbassy researchers use, alongside their reflections. The findings are presented in the form of a guidebook that bridges the gap between theory and practice, showing what techniques and tools can facilitate meaningful participation across different PAR methods. This thesis provides an accessible resource for practitioners that connects theory to actionable tools, and a comprehensive contribution to the ongoing development of ensuring meaningful participation in PAR.