Researching Violence: Positionality, Ethics, Epistemology, Methodology, and Participatory Action Research

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Abstract

Although a vast literature has emerged to make meaning of intersecting forms of chronic violence in Latin America, rarely do those most directly affected by violence participate in knowledge construction of the conditions in which they live in, the meanings they make of them, and strategies for ending violence and/or seeking redress for its effects. This workshop is based on the premise that to create the methodological conditions for ethical, respectful, and transformative research one needs collaboration with and participation of the populations affected by violence. We recognize that engaging in participatory action research has multiple challenges. Our goal in this workshop is to render these benefits and limitations explicit: to create space for dialogue and discussion about positionality, ethics, epistemology, and methodology in diverse contexts of chronic violence. In doing this we hope to (a) engage in constructive debate about both traditional and innovative ways of thinking about, researching, and acting in response to violence; (b) share examples of how participatory approaches to research can address some of the limitations of more empiricist-based research; and (c) begin to build a network of scholars who are committed to including research participants in knowledge production and to contributing in the struggles against violence. This workshop is for new and seasoned scholars alike, for those who are interested in discussing how knowledge of violence is constructed, for people who have applied or would like to apply participatory action methods, and for those who would like to connect with others doing similar work.

Sub Track

• Violence and Insecurities

Session Organizer

• Joanna Beltrán Girón, LLILAS Graduate Student

Chair

• Anjuli Fahlberg, Tufts University

Presenters

• M.Brinton Lykes, Boston College

• Jenny V Pearce, London School of Economics

• Gabrielle Oliveira, Boston College Lynch School of Education

• Maria Gabriela Távara, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú