Emergent Strategy: Finding a Theoretical Lens That Aligns With Critical Participatory Action Research's Methodological Assumptions

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: Interrogations Across Participatory Approaches in Qualitative Methodology (Table 16)

Abstract

The methodological assumptions of Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) aim to flatten inequitable power hierarchies in traditional research. We paired CPAR with the agency/structure dialectic (A/SD) as a theoretical lens to examine our own process of working towards liberatory social change for LGBTQ+ educators. While a helpful starting point, we identified limitations in A/SD’s lack of empirical tools for examining social change through explicitly liberatory lenses (e.g., anti-racism, feminism, decolonialism, abolitionism, etc.). In response, we transitioned to a new theory mid-project to better align with CPAR’s assumptions. In this paper we overview our process of adopting adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy as a new theoretical lens for CPAR with queer educators.

Authors

• Gabriel Ely, Northern Vermont University
  Presenting Author

• Ana L. O'Neill, Northern Vermont University
  Presenting Author

• Jae Basiliere, Vermont State Colleges
  Presenting Author

• Hannah K. Miller, Northern Vermont University
  Presenting Author