Implementing feminist, participatory, and decolonial approaches to social work research
Author Identifier
Naomi Joy Godden: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9881-3365
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Title
Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work
First Page
307
Last Page
321
Publisher
Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
School
School of Arts and Humanities
Publication Unique Identifier
10.4337/9781035310173.00034
RAS ID
76774
Abstract
This chapter discusses the doing of social work research from a critical feminist, participatory, and decolonial lens. It draws on Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) as a methodological paradigm that honours the emancipatory values of social work through collectivist, community-led inquiry and action. It provides practical strategies for co-designing and implementing research in partnership with grassroots communities through a co-researcher model. The chapter begins with a brief theoretical discussion about FPAR as a cyclical, ongoing process of action and reflection using research and activism for structural change. It explores how co-researchers can co-design research with the community and prepare a proposal. It then discusses participatory and inclusive approaches to the practical implementation of research, considering aspects such as partnering with communities, Free, Prior, Informed, and Continuing Consent protocols, recording data, collectively analysing data, participatory reporting, and undertaking research-informed activism. The chapter provides a range of tools and case studies from the author's 20 years of FPAR experience with grassroots communities in Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
DOI
10.4337/9781035310173.00034
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Godden, N. J. (2025). Implementing feminist, participatory, and decolonial approaches to social work research. In Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work (pp. 307-321). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035310173.00034