Redefining Intellectuals in the Production of Knowledge: An Alternative Research Paradigm for Community Partnership and the University

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: The Value of the Role of the Community in Enhancing Parent Involvement Practices at Home and School

Abstract

This study examined the development of an alternate paradigm for conducting research and repositioning members in the urban community as valued intellectuals. We explored the design of the community center research department as construct aimed to dismantle the university research hierarchy and establish community partners using Gramsci’s organic intellectual, and Anderson, Herr, and Nihlen’s (2007) action research guide. Using practices in the school as an example of the center-community partnership, we reframe the outreach in order to set a standard for conducting research in urban communities. The driving research question are: 1) What are the components for reimagining urban community/researcher relationships? 2) Do the methods of outreach shape interaction between researchers and community entities?

Authors

• Lynette Parker, Re.Source Education Consulting

• Charlene Reid, University of Pennsylvania