Community Research as Empowerment: Feminist Links, Postmodern Interruptions

This volume invites readers to take part in reshaping the process of research aimed at social action through critical analysis of the power dynamics involved in any such work and responsible use of the researcher's own power. Encouraging the development of 'feminist links' (between researchers and the communities they work with, between research methodologies and social-action agendas), at the same time it stresses the importance of 'postmodern interruptions': the contradictions and gaps that a postmodern perspective reveals, which prevents inappropriate fixation on any one 'solution' to complex social problems. The authors present detailed examples drawn from their own work with aboriginal women, young people, and lesbians, as well as shelters and other organizations committed to ending violence and building democratic relations; specific research instruments used in this work are included.