European Journal of Social Work
Volume 22, Issue 5, 2019, Pages 831-844

Reflections on the use of community based participatory research to affect social and political change: examples from research with refugees and older people in Ireland [Machnamh ar úsáid thaighde rannpháirtíochta atá bunaithe ar an gcomhphobal chun athrú sóisialta agus polaitiúil a chur i bhfeidhm: samplaí ó thaighde le dídeanaithe agus le daoine níos sine in Éirinn] (Article)

Donnelly S.* , Raghallaigh M.N.í. , Foreman M.
  • a School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • b School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • c School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Academic research can be criticised for its lack of social impact in the ‘real world’. Study findings are often not well understood nor used effectively to shape policy making and practice. These issues are pertinent for practising social workers who often find it difficult to utilise research knowledge to influence the public realm and engage service users in social change. This paper presents two community based participatory research (CBPR) case studies reflecting on learning achieved from carrying out the research: Study 1 relates to refugees and Study 2 relates to older people. It reflects on how CBPR partnership approaches were used to influence social policy and affect social change in organisational and practice environments in the Irish context and also reflects on the challenges and benefits of working with peer researchers and civil society organisations. The case studies suggest there are considerable advantages to adopting a collective advocacy approach using CBPR, including: creating meaningful impact that has relevance for policy and practice; facilitating the engagement of universities with civic society; and providing a mechanism whereby social workers can engage in the pursuit of social justice for vulnerable communities with whom they work. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

asylum seekers/refugees older people Social work research social policy Community based participatory research

Index Keywords

social justice policy scientist participatory research Social Work social change Article asylum seeker human Learning Ireland
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85056201629&doi=10.1080%2f13691457.2018.1540406&partnerID=40&md5=17b1760c5c9a339593aec0db04d23548
DOI: 10.1080/13691457.2018.1540406
ISSN: 13691457
Original Language: English